Radiator Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 777
Likes: 35
From: Irricana Alberta
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Radiator Question
Hey my 79 has developed a leak and it is coming from drivers side top and dont think it is the hose. Kinda hard to see. It only leaks after a long run and only after its been parked for a few minutes. Now can these be repaired with sauder at home or is it best to bring it to a shop and have it done by a pro. I have new hoses on order as i take it replacing them is a good thing. I read most of the sticky thread on rads so what works best fixing or replacing. Also is this a hard thing to do. Just never done 1 before. Seems like its hard but not real hard to do it
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need to determine the true source of the leak. You might need to put fluorescent dye in the coolant and look for the leak with a UV light (in the dark). If the leak is in a tank on the radiator, you could solder it with a propane torch, flux & solder....AFTER removing any trace of coolant/water from that tank. If the leak is in the core, it would be best that a pro shop do that work.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,228
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The other thought is, how old is the Radiator?
if it's the original one, perhaps look into replacing it. If you shop around abit. You'll find replacement radiators really are not all that expensive.
if it's the original one, perhaps look into replacing it. If you shop around abit. You'll find replacement radiators really are not all that expensive.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Don't waste time on a repair. Put in a new aluminium rad for less than $300.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 2,469
From: Indiana
find where leaking first as mentioned.. even my replacement had a leak in the cap area where the overflow goes into bottle.. no pressure took forever to figure it out.. epoxy all good..
here is my 79
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-79-l82.html
also look up onto this thread for a sticky.. its all about alum radiators..
honestly if original..i would replace.. keep the old if you like.. really depends on where you are that someone can even work on these anymore.. add to that the cost and you are in aluminum.. I went USA made
here is my 79
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-79-l82.html
also look up onto this thread for a sticky.. its all about alum radiators..
honestly if original..i would replace.. keep the old if you like.. really depends on where you are that someone can even work on these anymore.. add to that the cost and you are in aluminum.. I went USA made
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you have a simple pin-hold or seam leak in a tank, just fix it in the car and be done with it. If you have to remove the radiator to fix it, just replace it with a decent aluminum radiator.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 777
Likes: 35
From: Irricana Alberta
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thanks for the replies, In order to see the hole or crack i will have to pull it. Where its leaking is hidden so i know where to within a inch or so where the problem is. It could be a pain with the blower setup. I believe its the original 1 so maybe a replacement one will work best. Thanks again.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 777
Likes: 35
From: Irricana Alberta
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
find where leaking first as mentioned.. even my replacement had a leak in the cap area where the overflow goes into bottle.. no pressure took forever to figure it out.. epoxy all good..
here is my 79
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-79-l82.html
also look up onto this thread for a sticky.. its all about alum radiators..
honestly if original..i would replace.. keep the old if you like.. really depends on where you are that someone can even work on these anymore.. add to that the cost and you are in aluminum.. I went USA made
here is my 79
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-79-l82.html
also look up onto this thread for a sticky.. its all about alum radiators..
honestly if original..i would replace.. keep the old if you like.. really depends on where you are that someone can even work on these anymore.. add to that the cost and you are in aluminum.. I went USA made
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
As stated above, if you pull the radiator, just replace it. You will be better off in the long run. I have a Champion in another car and I'm very pleased with it. Not exactly a 'stock' fit; but close enough for me.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 777
Likes: 35
From: Irricana Alberta
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thanks again and will take a look at it after i get it out. most likely will just replace it and the hoses and probably the thermostat as i have no idea what is in there now
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
The Cold Case is a direct fit i.e. no mods required and has the larger 1-1/4" tubes. At least that was my experience.