C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

86 radiator issue

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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 11:23 PM
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Default 86 radiator issue

I have an 86 conv, I just bought the radiator started to smoke a little bit and radiator fluid starting coming out of a little nozzle or plug on the right hand side of the radiator if your standing on the passenger side of the car and your standing by the pass tire looking at the radiator. sorry trying to describe it.The little bit of smoke is coming out of this same spot where the radiator fluid is coming out of too. Im not sure if anyone knows if there should be some type of cap on it ,that releases the pressure or what, any feedback on this would be great. Thanks JT
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 11:37 PM
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are you talking about the drain plug?
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 11:44 PM
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Here is a pic of the radiator on my 87 vert (I no longer have the car). You can see where the radiator cap goes. Note all the leaves and crud between the radiator and the AC condenser. Good idea to clean this out.
If I recall correctly the drain plug is at the bottom of the radiator. If that is where it is leaking then try to tighten it.

Last edited by corvetteronw; Mar 17, 2014 at 11:47 PM.
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 11:54 PM
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no its on the right side of the radiator it almost looks like a relief plug or something like that, not sure if a hose is suppose to go over this little plug or a cap goes over it? smoke was coming out not too much but then from the pressure build up I had put a little cap over it it knocked it off and fluid was coming out of this little hole. its not on the top of bottom of the radiator its on the side . if your looking at the back of the radiator its on the back side about 2 or 3 inches down from the top.
Just put a pic of a radiator up , Im pretty sure its coming from the top 2nd hole below the blue plug. But def coming form one of those valves smoke and radiator fluid. hope this helps

Last edited by 86indyjtg; Mar 18, 2014 at 12:15 AM.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 86indyjtg
no its on the right side of the radiator it almost looks like a relief plug or something like that, not sure if a hose is suppose to go over this little plug or a cap goes over it? smoke was coming out not too much but then from the pressure build up I had put a little cap over it it knocked it off and fluid was coming out of this little hole. its not on the top of bottom of the radiator its on the side . if your looking at the back of the radiator its on the back side about 2 or 3 inches down from the top.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/atta...1&d=1395115958
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 01:03 AM
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Hi That is the water level sensor, an option a part gets pushed in and clips on, its below the top transmission oil cooler pipe.

See below that is what you need if the hole has been drilled for that sensor.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....5Z50000050F~~~

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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:12 PM
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Default radiator

I just spoke to a Corvette specialist a mechanic by me and he just said you're going to need a new radiator that's it.I don't know how to go about it but I could tell him I told him about the switch I have just said you're going to have to get a new radiator. I don't know now?



QUOTE=gerardvg;1586432959]Hi That is the water level sensor, an option a part gets pushed in and clips on, its below the top transmission oil cooler pipe.

See below that is what you need if the hole has been drilled for that sensor.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....5Z50000050F~~~

[/QUOTE]
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Old Mar 19, 2014 | 05:16 AM
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Below is a pic of the water level sensor in my 85 vette (see arrow), is not connected just came with the radiator.


STAY AWAY FROM SUPERRADIATORS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I HAVE ONE THAT IS JUST SCRAP METAL wont flow, most of the fins were bent restricting water flow!!

The water level sensor is clipped into the hole the below the blue plug down from radiator cap.




Last edited by gerardvg; Mar 19, 2014 at 05:22 AM.
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