Radiator leak

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Jul 16, 2005 | 01:22 AM

Cali,68,L-79

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Le Mans Master

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From: San Diego CA

Radiator leak

Just after I said "she's been bullet proof since the day I've bought her" yesterday at the car show I found a leak on the left upper front of the radiator where it rests on the left vertical foam pad that separates the radiator from the radiator frame. First question being how it sprung a leak in a spot where there is no chance of a rock hit and the radiator is tight not loose where the frame nor foam could possibly rub against the cooling fin. That one's got me perplexed. Secondly being behind that foam pad I can't see the actual leak so I must pull the radiator without knowing the exact source. Anyway the coolant flows along the outer fins from the leak in the front (towards the car's nose) to the rear until it gets near the fan and gets sprayed onto the motor.
I'm down until this one gets fixed.

Jul 16, 2005 | 09:52 AM

Paul Borowski

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From: Massillon,Ohio USA

2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12

David, that's exactly where my Silver 42K mi '68 coupe had been leaking for a year or two-didn't leak a whole lot since it was up near the very top and I didn't drive that car very often. I ended up getting DeWitt's "correct restoration" radiator about 3 months ago and it's been perfect ever since.

Jul 16, 2005 | 10:18 AM

SkunkApe

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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER

Radiators leak. Just ponder the amount of expansion/contraction cycles over 30 yrs. and the effect on seams/joints.

Replace with aluminum and you're good for another 30...

Jul 16, 2005 | 10:21 AM

turtlevette

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St. Jude Donor '03,'11

Have a few beers or a bottle of wine to reduce your pucker factor some then get a 3 dollor bottle of bars leaks aluminum seal and drive it for 2 more years then worry about it.

Jul 16, 2005 | 11:02 AM

Jughead

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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...

St. Jude Donor '09

Tha's what I did. The NCRS won't find out either.

Jul 16, 2005 | 12:15 PM

Cali,68,L-79

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Le Mans Master

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From: San Diego CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtlevette

Have a few beers or a bottle of wine to reduce your pucker factor some then get a 3 dollor bottle of bars leaks aluminum seal and drive it for 2 more years then worry about it.

SanDiegoPaul just got off the phone and suggested the samething. Thanks!

Jul 17, 2005 | 01:47 PM

Cali,68,L-79

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Le Mans Master

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From: San Diego CA

Update......bought 2 cans of that Bar Leaks. One was the silver liquid with aluminum in it and the other was that semi liquid ball type. I put the aluminum in via removing the top hose as I don't have a radiator cap, 68's have the expansion tank cap only. Anyway drove 75 miles on saturday and so far no leaks! Knock on wood. Thanks all for the advice.