Radiator cracked, cause?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 104
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From: Winder Georgia
Radiator cracked, cause?
92 LT1 with ~100k miles. The radiator just cracked in it, and before I replace it I want to be sure nothing else is wrong that may have caused the problem. The car has an exhaust leak somewhere up front that quits leaking once the car is warmed up. It also feels like it's running rough (or maybe not, I have not had the car that long and I am used to motorcycle engines so I am unsure of how it is supposed to feel). So, how to determine if something else is wrong that may have caused the problem, or is that even possible?
And on the rough running, would anyone in the north atlanta, ga. area want to drive it and let me know if it seems normal?
And on the rough running, would anyone in the north atlanta, ga. area want to drive it and let me know if it seems normal?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
If your radiator is like all other OEM radiators that I know of it has plastic tanks. In its 14 years there have been a zillion heat/cool cycles as well as age. That is most likely the primary cause of your leak. Same goes for a leaking exhaust gasket. As far as rough running goes how long since a basic tune-up and a complete check of vacuum hoses?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 104
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From: Winder Georgia
If your radiator is like all other OEM radiators that I know of it has plastic tanks. In its 14 years there have been a zillion heat/cool cycles as well as age. That is most likely the primary cause of your leak. Same goes for a leaking exhaust gasket. As far as rough running goes how long since a basic tune-up and a complete check of vacuum hoses?
As to a tune up, I have no idea as I have not had the car that long.
Race Director
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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
I believe it is a relatively common problem for the plastic tanks to give way eventually. My 96 had 45K miles on it when mine went. Bought a Modine from NAPA and put it in. No problems.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
I would put in a new radiator, new exhaust gaskets and do a tune up. I suspect all,or almost all of your immediate problems will be solved. Don't forget toclean the area between the radiator and the AC condenser. You'll see what I mean when you pull the rad.
I guess I should add it is possible to repair a plastic tank radiator but it usually costs just as much as a nrw radiator.
I guess I should add it is possible to repair a plastic tank radiator but it usually costs just as much as a nrw radiator.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 1
From: Winder Georgia
I would put in a new radiator, new exhaust gaskets and do a tune up. I suspect all,or almost all of your immediate problems will be solved. Don't forget toclean the area between the radiator and the AC condenser. You'll see what I mean when you pull the rad.
I guess I should add it is possible to repair a plastic tank radiator but it usually costs just as much as a nrw radiator.
I guess I should add it is possible to repair a plastic tank radiator but it usually costs just as much as a nrw radiator.
Is standard antifreeze what goes in that 92?
