Radiator cracked open! Help!
08-06-2011, 12:46 AM
#1
Instructor
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Radiator cracked open! Help!
1991 auto coupe.
I was headed home from work tonight, just about to get onto the interstate, when I hear and smell coolant spraying from under the hood. I managed to get it to the next exit without hitting the red line and shut it off at a gas station.
I checked it out, and it seems to be leaking, from the driver side under the cowling. Looked to be between the plastic side tank and metal fins.
I flushed it out about a week ago and have had cooler temps.
Anyone have an explanation for why it may have gave up and broke?
I was headed home from work tonight, just about to get onto the interstate, when I hear and smell coolant spraying from under the hood. I managed to get it to the next exit without hitting the red line and shut it off at a gas station.
I checked it out, and it seems to be leaking, from the driver side under the cowling. Looked to be between the plastic side tank and metal fins.
I flushed it out about a week ago and have had cooler temps.
Anyone have an explanation for why it may have gave up and broke?
08-06-2011, 02:44 AM
#2
Race Director
A) 20 yrs old
B) Use of caustic (acidic) flush to clean out?
C) Pulled top hose loose and wiggled neck hard enough to weaken welds?
and
D) 20 yrs old
B) Use of caustic (acidic) flush to clean out?
C) Pulled top hose loose and wiggled neck hard enough to weaken welds?
and
D) 20 yrs old
08-06-2011, 02:55 AM
#3
Race Director
It sounds like the gasket between the tank and core blew out. They can be replaced, if you can find a gasket. I never had to do this, so I have no idea where you'd get a gasket. I think radiator shops can get the gaskets and do the repairs. I have a recollection that the procedure is described in the shop manual.
08-06-2011, 04:43 AM
#4
Race Director
Most shops don't care to repair plastic/alum hybrid radiators anymore. And, I wouldn't want to "throw" money at a 20yr old radiator anyway.
08-06-2011, 05:25 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
I would go ahead and get a new radiator. I'll probably take less time to ship the part than to tear everything apart, wait for gaskets and put it all back together. Also, with the cost of labor it'll probably be cheaper to get a new one.
Get a Dewitts.
08-06-2011, 08:24 AM
#7
Race Director
Had something like that happen to me. Took the radiator to a shop, was immediately told to buy a new one. Guy would not touch it. Could not warrant any repair, besides his repair would cost more than a new radiator.
08-06-2011, 10:24 AM
#8
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FYI guys, I do all my own work, saves me the mechanic costs and the corvette tax. 
As soon as I got home last night I ordered a new radiator, unfortunately it's a stock style. Maybe it'll hold up another 20 years.
As soon as I got home last night I ordered a new radiator, unfortunately it's a stock style. Maybe it'll hold up another 20 years.
08-06-2011, 10:27 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
The stock radiator is fine. If I remember correctly it's a 2-layer, right? I've seen people put a 3 layer in and I have heard a ricer claim a MASSIVELY AWESOME SUPER COOL 6-LAYER RADIATOR!!!!
Sure....
I honestly don't think it makes that much of a difference unless your going down a drag strip with the RPMs pegged.
Sure....
I honestly don't think it makes that much of a difference unless your going down a drag strip with the RPMs pegged.
08-06-2011, 11:40 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
08-06-2011, 04:48 PM
#12
Race Director
The stock radiator is fine. If I remember correctly it's a 2-layer, right? I've seen people put a 3 layer in and I have heard a ricer claim a MASSIVELY AWESOME SUPER COOL 6-LAYER RADIATOR!!!!
Sure....
I honestly don't think it makes that much of a difference unless your going down a drag strip with the RPMs pegged.
Sure....
I honestly don't think it makes that much of a difference unless your going down a drag strip with the RPMs pegged.
I agree....Recommending a $500 radiator is extreme for all but the top 5% of C4 owners.
Look at the OBX headers people are just now talking about and buying. While we think it sucks to buy foreign-made products, we can't afford to buy American. Or, the price is just too high....At least in these times.
08-06-2011, 06:17 PM
#13
Future reference for anyone looking for a new old stock (NOS) GM radiator for a '90-'96 auto or manual transmission, checkout the link.
I was just at this place last week and bought NOS GM brake rotors and saw their inventory of radiators.
I'm not affiliated with them, just an enthusiast passing on information on a good parts source.
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/199...p/52473260.htm
I was just at this place last week and bought NOS GM brake rotors and saw their inventory of radiators.
I'm not affiliated with them, just an enthusiast passing on information on a good parts source.
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/199...p/52473260.htm
08-06-2011, 11:52 PM
#15
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
1 row radiator in a bottom breathing V8 with no hood venting.
The cheapest and worst of V8 cars out there at least have a 2 or 3 row
Brilliant GM
The cheapest and worst of V8 cars out there at least have a 2 or 3 row
Brilliant GM
08-07-2011, 12:06 AM
#16
The Callaway TT cars made from 1987 to 1991 had 4- row Brass & Copper radiators installed.
Its listed on a 1988 Callaway TT Dealer brochure I have put away in collection.
I am wondering yet who made those Brass & Copper radiators used in the C4 Callaway TT Corvettes.
I would like to own that 4-row Brass & Copper radiator before a Dewitts or Be-Cool aluminum unit.
Brian
08-07-2011, 12:45 AM
#17
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St. Jude Donor '10
I don't know if you ever seen or knew of this Ron,..........
The Callaway TT cars made from 1987 to 1991 had 4- row Brass & Copper radiators installed.
Its listed on a 1988 Callaway TT Dealer brochure I have put away in collection.
I am wondering yet who made those Brass & Copper radiators used in the C4 Callaway TT Corvettes.
I would like to own that 4-row Brass & Copper radiator before a Dewitts or Be-Cool aluminum unit.
Brian
The Callaway TT cars made from 1987 to 1991 had 4- row Brass & Copper radiators installed.
Its listed on a 1988 Callaway TT Dealer brochure I have put away in collection.
I am wondering yet who made those Brass & Copper radiators used in the C4 Callaway TT Corvettes.
I would like to own that 4-row Brass & Copper radiator before a Dewitts or Be-Cool aluminum unit.
Brian
08-07-2011, 12:50 AM
#18
OK,
It shows the 4- row copper & brass radiator as standard equipment on the 1988 Callaway TT package in my brochure.
You own a TT Callaway I recall.
Who made the optional 4- row brass & copper radiator optional on the TT Callway's ?
If you know.
Was it a GM Harrison radiator ?
Brian
It shows the 4- row copper & brass radiator as standard equipment on the 1988 Callaway TT package in my brochure.
You own a TT Callaway I recall.
Who made the optional 4- row brass & copper radiator optional on the TT Callway's ?
If you know.
Was it a GM Harrison radiator ?
Brian
