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There is a crack on the radiator where the hose and radiator connect and it is causing coolant to leak to the point of where there is none in my car and I was wondering if this is able to be sealed or do I need to purchase a new radiator?
If your car is mostly original parts, then you can remove the radiator and take it to a radiator shop to see if they can repair/restore your radiator. You don’t state the year of your car, and newer Corvette have plastic radiators, which are not easily repaired. I had my radiator restored and it cost about $120, a lot less expensive than buying a new radiator.
Given what a complete pain in the azz it is to remove the radiator if that is your only problem area I would find a radiator repair shop and try to do an in-car repair. Finding a radiator repair shop will be your next hurdle as this type work is ageing out of the work force. If you end up having to replace the radiator buy a direct replacement DeWitts.
The above advice is indeed excellent advice.
If you have deep pockets.
However judging by the overall tone of this post I am going to guess that perhaps this is not your situation.
Here on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia we have a excellent radiator repair shop. So yes they do still exist.
Google radiator repair in your area.
If all else fails, there are NUMEROUS radiators for sale out there for much less money than a Dewitts.
Fair enough to say however that many believe the DeWitts to be the very best.
But also fair enough to say your factory radiator was not of such a high standard and it lasted how many years?
The green you are seeing is a sure sign of a leak.
I would inspect the complete radiator for more signs of that, doesn't mean it is a noticeable leak now but in the future it will become one.
If you have done a lot of soldering like this no problem...If not be real careful with the heat!
"If'" you can remove the radiator it would be best, and "If" you have a good local radiator shop they can pressure test it and repair whats needed.
"If" they advise to re-core, get a written estimate and decide from there your options.
Oriellys and Auto zone carry new radiators for an 82 model. They arent that expensive. Repairing an 82 model rad may not be such a good idea, if it leaks again.
Thanks for all the feedback my best option seems to be purchase a new one to and replace it is a cheap one around $200-$300 good or do should I go with the more expensive ones?
Last edited by AverageBoaz; Apr 6, 2023 at 03:53 PM.
I have a BE COOL Radiator in my 1968 C3 with it's 427. It has been in the Corvette for decades and still looks good. Like all cars be sure to flush your coolant on a regular basis as suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. My BeCool Radiator is an all aluminum radiator and works more efficiently than the old original unit.
If heat has been a problem you might consider a Eastwood Radiator as they have them in multiple cores that fit right in. The BeCool bolted right in and nothing had to be modified to make it work properly.
Before going too far I would take a small piece of Emory cloth and sand away the condensation in your picture. It looks like the paint has been compromised.
Did the original older radiators have brass tanks with copper tubes? The newer cars use that combination of Plastic Tanks and aluminum tubes. Both of my Corvettes have aluminum tanks with aluminum tubes and they work great. I am religious about changing the coolant in all my vehicles so it doesn't eat away the aluminum. It is a good habit to get into, even with brass tanks.
Crack In Radiator
