Radiator Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Radiator Problem
Had the vert out for a quick run around town. When I got home (I was out about an hour, local traffic, no high speed roads) I found the radiator hissing and steaming. Is it likely a leak? I left the hood up and will check for coolant leaks next. But if there is anything else I need to check let me know. The water temp gauge did not indicate any overheating.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,266
Likes: 4,361
From: Westminster Maryland
A little more info would help.
Was the core itself steaming, or the radiator cap, or a hose? A lot... a little? How old is the radiator, and hoses. When last did you drive it?
Regards,
Alan
Was the core itself steaming, or the radiator cap, or a hose? A lot... a little? How old is the radiator, and hoses. When last did you drive it?
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: waterloo ontario
You could take it to your local lube shop and have it preasure tasted
Rod
Love the Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
I'm not sure I can state what is a little vs a lot. Steam was coming from what appeared to me to be the core. It appeared to be centered (the steam). I could definitely hear it hissing prior to opening the hood. I can not tell you the age of the radiator or the hoses. I can get some photos to post just in case it might be of help.
I just drove on Wednesday, but it was a trip to work and back (maybe 10 miles total). Today I probably drove about 20 miles and was out about 45 minutes.
I left the hood up and the hissing/steam was gone when I checked back about 20 minutes after shutting off the engine.
I'll get it in this week to get looked at.
I just drove on Wednesday, but it was a trip to work and back (maybe 10 miles total). Today I probably drove about 20 miles and was out about 45 minutes.
I left the hood up and the hissing/steam was gone when I checked back about 20 minutes after shutting off the engine.
I'll get it in this week to get looked at.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
You should see dried coolant on the radiator or the base of the shroud or the support if in fact there's a leak. Inspect it carefully. Hissing in the area described usually means a pin hole in the radiator. Also a good time to replace ALL the hoses if you're not sure of their age.
Glenn
Glenn
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Camp Hill PA
I am taking it in to my mechanic in the next couple of days. Should I top off the coolant before I drive it over? I only need to drive it about 5-10 miles to the shop.
Also - best coolant to put in? I read some posts from the Spring discussing what to use. Not sure what the final results were, other than making sure you used distilled water.
I'll have all the hoses inspected while we are there. Anything else to check on while I have it in?
This will be a tough few days since the weather is nice all week and I should be driving!
Also - best coolant to put in? I read some posts from the Spring discussing what to use. Not sure what the final results were, other than making sure you used distilled water.
I'll have all the hoses inspected while we are there. Anything else to check on while I have it in?
This will be a tough few days since the weather is nice all week and I should be driving!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I am taking it in to my mechanic in the next couple of days. Should I top off the coolant before I drive it over? I only need to drive it about 5-10 miles to the shop.
Also - best coolant to put in? I read some posts from the Spring discussing what to use. Not sure what the final results were, other than making sure you used distilled water.
I'll have all the hoses inspected while we are there. Anything else to check on while I have it in?
This will be a tough few days since the weather is nice all week and I should be driving!
Also - best coolant to put in? I read some posts from the Spring discussing what to use. Not sure what the final results were, other than making sure you used distilled water.
I'll have all the hoses inspected while we are there. Anything else to check on while I have it in?
This will be a tough few days since the weather is nice all week and I should be driving!
I use Prestone which is a 50/50 premix ready to go.
Also check that the thermostat is working properly while your
re at it.
Glenn
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Just a follow up for some advice -
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Unrelated to the prob but...
Just a follow up for some advice -
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
Just a follow up for some advice -
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
I took the car into my mechanic yesterday. Waiting on call to see if the existing radiator can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
If I have to replace, I know a lot of guys recommend DeWitts which is cool with me.
One question - should I replace the fan while I am at it?
It would go from a $600 part to closer to a $1000 part based on DeWitts website.
What really stinks is the weather is perfect this week in Central PA and I won't be driving.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Not sure what the fan clutch is/looks like. I just know from some previous posts, guys have recommended swapping out the fan for electric fan. I know there is sometime issue with fan blades detaching and doing a lot of damage. I also have heard that the electric fans do a better job. Just things I have heard/read.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Alright I got all the bad news finally. Radiator is in tough shape. Radiator guy thought it would cost more to recore than replace (not sure what recore involves). His replacement costs were in the $400 range. So I believe my choices are:
1. Go with his radiator replacement around $400
2. Go with DeWitts replacement $500
3. Go with DeWitts fan/radiator combination $900-$1000
Any thoughts?
1. Go with his radiator replacement around $400
2. Go with DeWitts replacement $500
3. Go with DeWitts fan/radiator combination $900-$1000
Any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I wouldn't consider anything but a Dewitt's for mine and that is solely based on all the good things everyone has to say about their radiators. I would for now leave the fan alone, and see how it runs with a new radiator. If the temp stays in the normal range with just a new radiator, why spend the extra for an electric fan you dont' necessarily need.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 763
Likes: 42
From: Detroit MI
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Being a small block car and assuming everything else is working fine (thermostat, clutch fan, waterpump, etc) a recore or replacement will probably be fine.
I had mine re-cored so I could keep my original Harrison side tanks. This was for originality sake.
The aluminum radiators do cool much better, however with your setup it might be overkill.
As for the fan, I would make sure the clutch is working before I put in an electric fan. A working clutch fan properly sized properly with a shroud is much more effective than an electric fan.
I had mine re-cored so I could keep my original Harrison side tanks. This was for originality sake.
The aluminum radiators do cool much better, however with your setup it might be overkill.
As for the fan, I would make sure the clutch is working before I put in an electric fan. A working clutch fan properly sized properly with a shroud is much more effective than an electric fan.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
The problem here is your car was originally equiped with a high performance aluminum radiator from the factory and replacing it with a c/b unit (3390 btu/m) is a 30% downgrade. This aluminum radiator was a very special stacked plate type aluminum radiator that was carried over from C2 and used on C3 base cars.
This is what it looked like (4600 btu/m)
That radiator cost $870 and many people do not want to pay that much for an exact reproduction so we offer this Direct Fit replacement
unit (4100 btu/m) for $525
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Thanks Tom,
That does look like my existing radiator, although it was still in the car when I looked at it.
For my information - what is shipping to Harrisburg, PA? I'll need to discuss with my mechanic Monday to determine if he or I will be placing the order. Also what is time frame for delivery if we order Monday?
Thanks for the information.
Rick
That does look like my existing radiator, although it was still in the car when I looked at it.
For my information - what is shipping to Harrisburg, PA? I'll need to discuss with my mechanic Monday to determine if he or I will be placing the order. Also what is time frame for delivery if we order Monday?
Thanks for the information.
Rick
