I have a leak in my radiator. It's on the drivers side up top around the upper hose. Should I try some radiator stop leak stuff or go ahead and replace the radiator. It's got 120,000 miles on her. I think it's time.

I've searched the forum for a step by step instructions on how to remove the radiator but can't find anything. What's all behind removing a radiator???? Could anyone find or have a step by step?????

 

Don't put that stop leak junk in your tank. It flows through the block and your entire cooling system.
I recently had to have mine replaced due to a crack. I had the speed shop behind Rogers Corvette outside of Orlando replace the radiator, hoses and stat with new ones. Parts and labor was $650 with tax. A fair price compared to a chevy dealer, way better service and knowledge than 'Joes radiator' on any corner. They are Corvette specialists and are good guys you can actually talk to. They do all the work for Rogers, and more.
PM me if you want more info on the shop.

 

:cheers: If you can turn a wrench, own a set of wrenches and have about three hours, you can do it yourself for the cost of the Rad, hoses and coolant.

What year is your car? I'll write you an e mail.

It is one of the simplest things to do on these cars

:seeya

:steering:

PS, first make sure the hose clamp is tight :D


[Modified by jackdaroofer, 8:19 PM 6/5/2003]

 

I've got a stock radiator from my car removed at 24,000 miles.

50 bucks plus shipping it's yours.

 

Thanks for the info, I have a 94 auto......

 

:cheers: Does that mean you want an e mail on the subject? :D
The only tricky part is that there are three self taping screws on the side of the fan shroud that are best reached with a box wrench taped to the end of a hacksaw blade. good part is you only have to reinstall one of them

:seeya

:steering:


[Modified by jackdaroofer, 8:46 PM 6/6/2003]

 

check canadian tire. about 225.00$ CND replaces stock rad with heavy duty aluminiun better than orginal! even if have it shipped to your location.

 

If the plastic end tank is split, you either can replace the whole radiator or have the tank replaced. But with 120k miles, its time to replace to whole unit.

For the cheapest new radiator, check out http://www.radiator.com. They have nationwide shipping locations and can ususally deliver the next day via UPS. The stock Corvette radiator cost about $175 delivered and are exact replacements so fit is not an issue. They sell only units from OEM radiator manufacturers, so quality was identical to the original.

My problem with them was for my LT4, they do not have radiators without the automatic trans cooler and the cores were 1.25 inch thick rather than 1.375 inch stock so I had the end tank replaced for $145. I am sure the 1.25 inch core would work perfect, but decided that I wanted my original repaired since it only had 38k miles on it. In my opinion, due to your milage, you should buy a new one.

This is a relatively easy job and I agree it should only take someone the first time 3 hours. Since I already did it once, I am sure I could do the whole job in about an hour.

Drain the radiator, remove the hoses, remove the upper shroud and pull it out. The only tricky part is the 6 small bolts (3 per side) on the sides of the shrouds down low. But with extensions and universal joints, you can get to them. You may have to mover the stuff on the driver's side to get to that set.

To refill, just leave the upper hose off the radiator to purge air while you pour coolant into the overflow tank. When coolant starts coming out, put the hose back on. There is also the air purge screw on top of the thermostat housing. When you see coolant start to come out, tighten it back up. Start the engine, keep pouring coolant in and watch the temp guage. Use only distilled water. You will need about 2 gallons. Pre-mix with new antifreeze at 50/50 mix.


[Modified by Mez, 1:43 AM 6/7/2003]