Radiator problem or Hose problem?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Radiator problem or Hose problem?
My 75's original radiator finally bit the dust, last year, after 30 loyal years. Had the local Chevrolet dealer put in a "rebuilt" radiator and after 6 months....leak on the driver's side. The tank separated from the core. No prob...just replace...figured it was a fluke. Fast forward to last week...AFTER going through 4 radiators,
with the same problem (1 every 3-4 months and no cost to me), the dearlership purchased a BRAND NEW alum radiator and replaced it in the Vette....HOPEFULLY this will be the last!!! Anyway, the service manger has been VERY VERY helpful and cooperative during this ordeal and had wondered if the CoolFlex upper radiator hose ( I got from JEGS) may be the culprit by putting a stress on it when the engine torques when you rev it.
He asked me if anyone else with the CoolFlex hose has experienced any problems with the radiator. He felt it shouldn't be a problem...it's just that's the ONLY thing NOT stock in the radiator area, and he was just trying to prevent any future problems and looking at every possiblities...which I can understand.
After 32 years in automotive service business....he has never seen anything like this.....
SO, has anyone experienced any problems with the CoolFlex Hose...like the above pic?
Here is a pic of my engine with the upper hose...
with the same problem (1 every 3-4 months and no cost to me), the dearlership purchased a BRAND NEW alum radiator and replaced it in the Vette....HOPEFULLY this will be the last!!! Anyway, the service manger has been VERY VERY helpful and cooperative during this ordeal and had wondered if the CoolFlex upper radiator hose ( I got from JEGS) may be the culprit by putting a stress on it when the engine torques when you rev it. He asked me if anyone else with the CoolFlex hose has experienced any problems with the radiator. He felt it shouldn't be a problem...it's just that's the ONLY thing NOT stock in the radiator area, and he was just trying to prevent any future problems and looking at every possiblities...which I can understand.
After 32 years in automotive service business....he has never seen anything like this..... SO, has anyone experienced any problems with the CoolFlex Hose...like the above pic?
Here is a pic of my engine with the upper hose...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Hose should not be a problem..as radiator is bolted in....but have read recently of some aftermarket rads(alum) cracking in same area...think issue may be from body/front end tweaking...or poor quality welds with porosity...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by vetteguy75
The ones I had to replace was the stock copper ones.....Could the body flexing cause the problem for stock radiators?
