radiator replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
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radiator replacement
My DeWitt radiator sprung a leak during a 600 mile tour last fall with my '69. Threw some stop-leak in (along with regular tap water) to get me home and that worked. I reckon the tap water and stop-leak voided the Dewitt warranty so am searching for a new aluminum radiator this spring, 3 core if possible. Have always bought Dewitt (have another in a "59) aluminum units but am willing to look at something else. I see units priced below $200 on ebay and amazon. Anyone have luck with other more affordably priced units? Would like to hear back from anyone who has bought other brands.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 17
From: Pasadena MD
My DeWitt radiator sprung a leak during a 600 mile tour last fall with my '69. Threw some stop-leak in (along with regular tap water) to get me home and that worked. I reckon the tap water and stop-leak voided the Dewitt warranty so am searching for a new aluminum radiator this spring, 3 core if possible. Have always bought Dewitt (have another in a "59) aluminum units but am willing to look at something else. I see units priced below $200 on ebay and amazon. Anyone have luck with other more affordably priced units? Would like to hear back from anyone who has bought other brands.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
right...
While I would believe dewitts would stand behind that repair ( or should ) seems a vast amount of people on this forum LOVE the budget priced aluminum radiators that even the vette parts houses like Ecklers and others are stocking...seems the simple fact is either work very well just depends on how you desire to spend your toad pelts....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
Likes: 1
right...While I would believe dewitts would stand behind that repair ( or should ) seems a vast amount of people on this forum LOVE the budget priced aluminum radiators that even the vette parts houses like Ecklers and others are stocking...seems the simple fact is either work very well just depends on how you desire to spend your toad pelts....
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
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From: FL
A budget 3 core with tiny 1/2" (or less) cores =/= a quality two core (1" core) DeWitt.
Why don't you try calling DeWitt and ask them before assuming they will not honor the warranty. You may be surprised.
Why don't you try calling DeWitt and ask them before assuming they will not honor the warranty. You may be surprised.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,170
From: Hermosa
If it sprung a leak on a weld or a seam or a very thin portion of aluminum then that is a manufacturer flaw and should be covered regardless of whether you put stop leak in it or not.
If it sprung a leak because you hit a rock, or as a result of some kind of abuse, well then that's another matter.
If it sprung a leak because you hit a rock, or as a result of some kind of abuse, well then that's another matter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
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From: North tonawanda NY
here is the one I bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-74-75-76-Chevrolet-Corvette-Champion-3-Row-Core-Alum-Radiator-/121531258875?hash=item1c4bd3d7fb&vxp=mtr to replace the brass one I still have just because I was ripping the engine and rotted radiator support out anyway... this unit has no issues keeping my engine cool and performs much better than the OEM harrison unit that was there before it. I dont need a raditaor for a 1000hp engine so Im not going to pay for such overkill. I did pay less for mine from another seller I believe.
Mine fit fine with no issues despite all the claims by other who had issues...
sooner or later this will turn into a dewitts vs all other brand debate like they always do but I would think that if it sprung a leak do to workmanship it would be fairly easy to tell because it would have leaked at a seam at one of the ends in most cases.... In that case I would expect dewitts or any manufacturer to honor a warranty due to you making the needed emergency repair while on the road..
Mine fit fine with no issues despite all the claims by other who had issues...
sooner or later this will turn into a dewitts vs all other brand debate like they always do but I would think that if it sprung a leak do to workmanship it would be fairly easy to tell because it would have leaked at a seam at one of the ends in most cases.... In that case I would expect dewitts or any manufacturer to honor a warranty due to you making the needed emergency repair while on the road..
Last edited by augiedoggy; Apr 3, 2015 at 02:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Your observation begs the question, "Why?" From where I'm standing, there is a big "if" DeWitts will honor the repair. I had to fill the unit with tap water and add a stop-leak solution--both moves void the warranty, when interpreting the disclaimers. Pulling the radiator, draining, boxing it up (still have the original box somewhere), and sending it back (postage!!!) for a questionable response has me scratching my hand as to the sanity behind this option. It helps me understand the reason folks on the forum LOVE the budget priced radiators. I spent $500+ for my DeWitts and had the same results as would have likely happened with the budget priced units. For $180 I can throw in a new 3 core unit (my DeWitts is a 2 core) and toss it when it goes bad, too. For $180, I can replace the darn thing a couple of times--and get better at it each time!
My statement wasn't to suggest that you do jump through the hoops to send it back to Dewitts my comment was more of a pimp of support to Dewitts, I was just assuming being the way they are, the high standard they project they world stand behind the repair,
With that said I am fully on your page with all the reasons to just buy an import unit and be done with it, in your case I might try having a local place repair the Dewitts but seems so many local shops around here have just about zero in pride of workmanship and business, they act like they are doing us the favor taking our $$$ then do a 1/2 *** job and say we do not appreciate them if we do not kiss their butts and call it icecream.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
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Good question. The leak appears to be on the engine side (inside) about two to three inches from the top and a few inches from the sidewall of the tank. It wasn't visible until the second morning of the tour when it showed up as a vapor after turning the engine off. This started two years ago on the last major ride we took. It's not getting worse and I don't rod the thing so the issue has been on the back burner while restoring a "59 (which, BTW, I installed a DeWitt's radiator in as well.) I installed the '69 DeWitt's radiator (the leaky one we're talking about) in 2004 or there about. I appreciate the weigh-ins on the issue. A call to DeWitt's last year netted a response that was a general "We'll have to see it" sort of reply. Not exactly an encouraging moment. After buying two of their radiators, I wanted to check with you guys as to experience with other units costing less. Thanks to all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,922
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
it kind of reinforces my belief that lifetime warranties are mostly worthless, you get to remove your part pay to ship it both ways and wait to see how long it take for the manufacturer to address the issue. meanwhile you are without a car for an indefinite period. my thinking is that your ahead if they deny your claim as you save on return shipping. im not picking on any brand in particular just an observation. Dewitts makes a good product and they are proud of their product but others make good stuff too. and unfortunate things happen to both.
i wouldn't waste time on it take it to someone that can weld aluminum an see if they can fix it. it can only void your warranty.
i wouldn't waste time on it take it to someone that can weld aluminum an see if they can fix it. it can only void your warranty.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,170
From: Hermosa
DeWitts warranty;
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/warranty
Always read the fine print.
I don't see where using stop leak voids the warranty however.
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/warranty
Always read the fine print.
I don't see where using stop leak voids the warranty however.