Replace or Clean/Service Radiator?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Replace or Clean/Service Radiator?
I've read quite a bit about people cleaning up the area between the condensor and radiator and I just started the job. Haven't removed the radiator yet but I'm curious. I know I should see maybe a 10-20 degree improvement in cooling which is great. But as my radiator is original, should I coonsider a replacement? Not with a super efficient alluminum as my motor is stock, but just a after maket new replacement. After all the radiator is 15 yrs old.
During autox event in the summer I'm seeing temps of about 225-230 as I begin my runs and that is beginning to make me nervous. Also noticed on the highway during summer it is getting up to about 200-205 with AC on.
I'm guessing I could pick up a new radiator for less than $175? Just thought since I've got it out maybe replace?
Ideas?
During autox event in the summer I'm seeing temps of about 225-230 as I begin my runs and that is beginning to make me nervous. Also noticed on the highway during summer it is getting up to about 200-205 with AC on.
I'm guessing I could pick up a new radiator for less than $175? Just thought since I've got it out maybe replace?
Ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Nothing you've written suggests it ought to be replaced. Mine is 20 years old and still going strong. While it's out, you may want to run it by a rad shop to have them flow test it and offer up an opinion, but it sounds good, from here.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
I was thinking to take into a shop for a quick test, I agree that it doesn't appear to be faulty. Just not sure how much money I should inest in a 15 yeat old radiator. I found one online at autoradiatorsdirect.com for about $119. If it is equal to stock then why would I spend $40-$60 testing mine?
Can't shop actually clean the inside pretty well? If that is the case it might be worth it.
Just a thought, don't feel like pulling it out again in 1-2 years if it fails just to save $70.
Can't shop actually clean the inside pretty well? If that is the case it might be worth it.
Just a thought, don't feel like pulling it out again in 1-2 years if it fails just to save $70.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Dolfan
I was thinking to take into a shop for a quick test, I agree that it doesn't appear to be faulty. Just not sure how much money I should inest in a 15 yeat old radiator. I found one online at autoradiatorsdirect.com for about $119. If it is equal to stock then why would I spend $40-$60 testing mine?
Can't shop actually clean the inside pretty well? If that is the case it might be worth it.
Just a thought, don't feel like pulling it out again in 1-2 years if it fails just to save $70.
Can't shop actually clean the inside pretty well? If that is the case it might be worth it.
Just a thought, don't feel like pulling it out again in 1-2 years if it fails just to save $70.
RACE ON!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 4
From: Cairns Australia
I had the radiator shop pull the plastic ends off and soak it overnight to remove build up - it made an amazing difference
BUT
6 months later my radiator sprung a leak cause from long term expansion /contracting on damaged fins and I had to but a new one anyway - I was running so cool in our tropical winter that I also had to swap the 160 degree thermostat for a 180 - everything is really good now - but my new radiator and thermostat cost Aus$650 ( US$460) I hate it when I hear you can get stuff so cheap - wish I had a 'cost filter' on my browser.
S'nut
BUT
6 months later my radiator sprung a leak cause from long term expansion /contracting on damaged fins and I had to but a new one anyway - I was running so cool in our tropical winter that I also had to swap the 160 degree thermostat for a 180 - everything is really good now - but my new radiator and thermostat cost Aus$650 ( US$460) I hate it when I hear you can get stuff so cheap - wish I had a 'cost filter' on my browser.
S'nut
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I dont see any reason to replace it, not unless you want to upgrade to the more expensive ones like BeCool, Griffin, etc.
Just flush it, check for leaks, and reuse it.
Just flush it, check for leaks, and reuse it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Clean or replace
Radiators will last up to 20 years but a least 10 years. First move
should be to clean the radiator( the space between the radiator and
the a/c condensor. On the passenger side there is a space to view
the condiction and if there is a problem. Flush and use a good coolant
50/50 mixture. See if this works, if not replace the radiator.
should be to clean the radiator( the space between the radiator and
the a/c condensor. On the passenger side there is a space to view
the condiction and if there is a problem. Flush and use a good coolant
50/50 mixture. See if this works, if not replace the radiator.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Here is my thoughts on this. I, too, figure that if I take something out, you might as well replace it (within reason of course). However, if the radiator was well maintained, it should be just fine. The only part of the radiator that I would be concerned about is the plastic end caps, which you can order. I've seen them split. So, clean it up, inspect it, and have the shop test it. If needed, I would use an OEM radiator to replace it. They work good and last a long time. Now if you had a 383 or 396, maybe go with an aftermarket one with additional capability.
