Radiator seal installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
Radiator seal installation
I'm replacing the original radiator from my 1980. I have the old one out (it was spraying coolant), took it to a local tranny shop and confirmed my suspicions that it was not repairable (short of a total rebuild). I purchased a new one, transferred the tranny cooler fittings, and am ready to install it. I bought the seal kit from Willcox and am ready to put everything back together. I have a few questions:
1) The AIM show approximately where the foam pieces around the radiator go (drawing 13E) but it is not clear if they go in front of the radiator or beside it to make the seal. I would just duplicate the originals, except they were all missing - just three of the seals against the hood were left. Does someone have a diagram that shows the exact placement, or some good close-up photos?
2) Is it easier drop the radiator in place (without the upper support brackets) before placing the foam seals, or should I put the seals in first?
3) What sealant should I use on the drain plug? The AIM shows a thread seal, but I don't know what it is. The plug in the old radiator looks like it had pipe thread wrapped around it.
Any assistance would be appreciated - I want to get it back on the road this weekend!
1) The AIM show approximately where the foam pieces around the radiator go (drawing 13E) but it is not clear if they go in front of the radiator or beside it to make the seal. I would just duplicate the originals, except they were all missing - just three of the seals against the hood were left. Does someone have a diagram that shows the exact placement, or some good close-up photos?
2) Is it easier drop the radiator in place (without the upper support brackets) before placing the foam seals, or should I put the seals in first?
3) What sealant should I use on the drain plug? The AIM shows a thread seal, but I don't know what it is. The plug in the old radiator looks like it had pipe thread wrapped around it.
Any assistance would be appreciated - I want to get it back on the road this weekend!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I put new seals in my 76 last night. It took about an hour since my rad was still in place. The seals go between the radiator and the radiator support. It is best to clean the surfaces prior to sticking the new seals in place. It will be easier for you since your rad is out.
My kit from Willcox had seven pieces, a big one underneath the rad, two for the sides, two for the corners and two to seal between the rad support and the hood. My originals were MIA but there were telltale wear patterns on the hood so I know they were there from the factory.
Good Luck
My kit from Willcox had seven pieces, a big one underneath the rad, two for the sides, two for the corners and two to seal between the rad support and the hood. My originals were MIA but there were telltale wear patterns on the hood so I know they were there from the factory.
Good Luck
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
If memory serves, the radiator sits against the seals. Install the seals before installing the radiator.
Any type of thread sealant will work. All you need is to ensure you do not get a slow drip.
Any type of thread sealant will work. All you need is to ensure you do not get a slow drip.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
It has been a little while, and mine is a 73 so may not totally apply.
The seals go in before the rad is installed. I do remember that the bottom seal, which goes on the rad support, needed to be a little bit away from the shelf of the rad support to make full contact with the rad. Mine doesn't and it bothers me every time that I see it.
As for sealant, I think that any sealant that you use on other fittings will be fine. Tape will work as well as any other. I'm not even sure that it's needed.
The seals go in before the rad is installed. I do remember that the bottom seal, which goes on the rad support, needed to be a little bit away from the shelf of the rad support to make full contact with the rad. Mine doesn't and it bothers me every time that I see it.
As for sealant, I think that any sealant that you use on other fittings will be fine. Tape will work as well as any other. I'm not even sure that it's needed.
