repair or replace radiator?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 17
From: Greer SC
repair or replace radiator?
I have a 1980 L-82 mostly all original.Has a radiator leak,62000 miles live in south carolina have never had an overheating problem.So do I replace or repair the leak?If replace which 1 should i use
Last edited by ndmick; Sep 18, 2011 at 01:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I guess if it were me and the car were mostly original, and it's the known original radiator, i'd pull it and save it, maybe repair it now, but likely I'd just shelve it and and drop in a DeWitt's aluminum replacement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
If it never gave you any trouble, cooling has been OK, I'd find out what's leaking. Could be a joint which may be resoldered. More likely the core. Maybe find out what the cost of recoring would be?
If you were having cooling problems or find you need a replacement, the DeWitts radiator is a popular option.
If you were having cooling problems or find you need a replacement, the DeWitts radiator is a popular option.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
I had a small leak in mine and pulled it. Radiator shop said it would be $80 to fix the seam and noone recores anymore. He would but the price would be about what a Dewitts would cost. There are not many radiator shops around here.
I opted to spend a few hundred more and buy an aluminum. Took out a 4 row brass with electric fan and replaced with a 2 row alum. Left the fan off and it runs cooler around town and on the highway with just the regular fan.
IMHO, replace it. Unless after the first time you enjoyed removing it and want to do it again later. 31 years is old. Depends on how lucky you feel.
I opted to spend a few hundred more and buy an aluminum. Took out a 4 row brass with electric fan and replaced with a 2 row alum. Left the fan off and it runs cooler around town and on the highway with just the regular fan.
IMHO, replace it. Unless after the first time you enjoyed removing it and want to do it again later. 31 years is old. Depends on how lucky you feel.
Last edited by BKarol; Sep 18, 2011 at 09:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
No way I'd ever do a quicky patch job, as it will just be an on going thing. If it's true you cant get a full recore, then time for a whole new unit. Dont be put off by the DeWitts having two rows, as the tubes are very wide, and actually transfer heat better than older four row designs.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
You can try the $10.00 solution first. Used extensively by GM and dealers with Cadillac NorthStar V8 cooling system leaks, a known flaw. Basically just ginger root. No harm will be done to your engine unlike the RadLeak metallic formulations that can plug heater cores and the like.
Last edited by Paul L; Sep 18, 2011 at 07:39 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
on a recent motor change out to install a new ZZ4 motor last March, i pulled the 80 models radiator to inspect. It was toast with all the pluggage , had a small leak that i didnt know of.
O'Rielly's Auto Parts had one for me next day- direct replacement, guaranteed to direct fit ( it did) and was under $200.One full year warranty /replacement. It is made in Mexico.
The one rad shop I found that still repairs old rads wanted $125 to repair and clean the old one. Was a no brainer for me. Good luck.
O'Rielly's Auto Parts had one for me next day- direct replacement, guaranteed to direct fit ( it did) and was under $200.One full year warranty /replacement. It is made in Mexico.
The one rad shop I found that still repairs old rads wanted $125 to repair and clean the old one. Was a no brainer for me. Good luck.
Last edited by mikejpss; Sep 18, 2011 at 09:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
i would go with a new one .your old one is just that a old one .parts like that i replace with new because i like to drive it.they sell new ones that look just like the factory one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I just replaced mine with a new core. The core cost $450 with my old tanks reused. I got one with extra fins for better cooling (20-25% better is claimed by the radiator guy.. Most people will never know the difference.
