Stuffed my radiator - help!!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Stuffed my radiator - help!!
88 C4 been sitting for ages. Had to drive it as i wrote off both other cars. Noticed the coolant was basically mud and decided to flush the radiator. Drained the coolant, put the plug back in, started filling with water and discovered that it just flows straight thru. Thought the plug was had it, but no, it's gushing from just near the plug - seems to be pretty much at the point that the bottom of the radiator rests on one of the suspension strut things... Anyone had this experience, or have any idea what ive done? I'm reasonably handy but time poor and have a toddler. Not gotten around to removing the radiator (seems a pretty big job) but wondering if i need to. It's not a 'leak' per se; it's like the plug isn't in. And there was no problem until i drained out the coolant. No overheating, coolant not low or leaking. Something I've done hasn't been right... Be grateful for any ideas...
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Haven't had that experience before, but if you double checked the plug and it's in correctly, it sounds to me like corrosion has gotten to your radiator and you need a new one. It's not really a bad job to pull, just disconnect the hoses and remove the plastic shroud and it will lift straight out. You'll also have to disconnect the electrical connector for the fan, but that's about it. All in all, maybe an hour of time.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Haven't had that experience before, but if you double checked the plug and it's in correctly, it sounds to me like corrosion has gotten to your radiator and you need a new one. It's not really a bad job to pull, just disconnect the hoses and remove the plastic shroud and it will lift straight out. You'll also have to disconnect the electrical connector for the fan, but that's about it. All in all, maybe an hour of time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Yeah I'm thinking that may be it. Problem is I'm in Australia, so it's going to be tricky getting a new radiator... Think I'll pull it out and have a look. Disconnected the top hose and it was full of metal and gunk, so I'm pretty sure corrosion is a big factor. I think when i drained the coolant, i dislodged the gunk that was keeping it from leaking...
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
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Is it a difficult thing to close? I just pushed it back in and twisted... But if i stick a finger in the hole when the plug is out, there is no leak! So i think you're on to something. Be nice if i had a hoist and could get under the car to see what it looks like...
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Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
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From: Southlake, TX
Yes, it is not my money or time, put you probably need a new radiator. Crack or not, that brown "fluid" almost guarantees that your inner passages have been compromised. Flushing alone will not clear out that gunk,
As stated above, the job is pretty straight forward lasting only a couple of hours. While in there you may want to consider a thermostat swap and a HEAVY FLUSH with a garden hose of your whole system component by component. I fear for your heater core.
As stated above, the job is pretty straight forward lasting only a couple of hours. While in there you may want to consider a thermostat swap and a HEAVY FLUSH with a garden hose of your whole system component by component. I fear for your heater core.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 61
From: New Jersey
The crack seems to be part of the radiator shroud up against the radiator.
I can't tell from your photo - is there a thick rubber seal on the plug? If not or if it has hardened, then you need to get a new seal (or drain plug)
I can't tell from your photo - is there a thick rubber seal on the plug? If not or if it has hardened, then you need to get a new seal (or drain plug)
Last edited by Silver96ce; Jul 8, 2018 at 07:01 PM.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
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Yeah the whole system is corroded and pretty well knackered. My first thought was the rubber on the plug was worn (it is on there) - unfortunately can't seem to get one here in Oz. So i checked Ecklers and the petcock on there seems a bit different. I'm wondering if ive somehow broken it. The Ecklers one has a bulky middle. Was pretty difficult getting it out...
My problem at the moment is that i only need to drive the car this week as we're getting new cars. It's my little project that I'm going to fix with my little boy when he's older, so I'm thinking of doing the bare minimum to have it running for this week. I'm pretty sure the rad itself isn't leaking as i can stop it up with my finger and it's all good. But it will certainly need a new one soon.
Really appreciate the feedback. Hopefully i can get to the bottom of it...
My problem at the moment is that i only need to drive the car this week as we're getting new cars. It's my little project that I'm going to fix with my little boy when he's older, so I'm thinking of doing the bare minimum to have it running for this week. I'm pretty sure the rad itself isn't leaking as i can stop it up with my finger and it's all good. But it will certainly need a new one soon.
Really appreciate the feedback. Hopefully i can get to the bottom of it...
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Sydney NSW
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