Radiator replacement

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Oct 25, 2009 | 06:56 PM

ic98

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Lincolnton North Carolina

Radiator replacement

Noticed a coolant leak the other day around the top radiator hose. After removing the top radiator cover I was shocked to find that the radiator has plastic on the ends! The plastic has a small ¼ inch crack so I have to replace the radiator because of that?!? How hard is it to replace the radiator? Anyone have instructions and pictures?

Oct 25, 2009 | 07:29 PM

byronhunter

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From: Kinston North Carolina

Any good radiator shop can replace just the End Tank on your radiator.

Oct 25, 2009 | 07:33 PM

byronhunter

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From: Kinston North Carolina

Removal Procedure

Remove the fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement .
Reposition the throttle body heater outlet hose clamp from the radiator using J 38185 .
Remove the throttle body heater outlet hose from the radiator.

Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp from the water pump using J 38185 .
Remove the radiator inlet hose from the water pump.

Reposition the surge tank inlet hose clamp from the radiator using J 38185 .
Remove the surge tank inlet hose from the radiator.

Remove the connector position assurance lock.
Disconnect the mass air flow sensor electrical connector.

If equipped, remove the automatic transmission oil cooler lines from the radiator.

Important
It is not necessary to disconnect the air conditioning lines from the condenser.

Remove the condenser from the radiator and position it forward.
Remove the radiator from the vehicle.

Oct 25, 2009 | 09:18 PM

powderski13

Burning Brakes

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From: Portland area OR

Since you have to replace it, install a Dewitts double core all aluminum radiator. Don't waste your money on a OEM replacement.

Oct 25, 2009 | 09:20 PM

pewter99

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I installed a Dewitts by myself....just take your time and be careful not to mess up the fins. It is fairly straight forward especially if you are stock ( I am not) so I had a few challenges but once I got it in there, I had to pull it once and do some trimming and then drop it back in. It would be easier if you have a 2nd set of hands but overall not a big deal.

Oct 25, 2009 | 09:32 PM

pewter99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

You should be able to find a shop that can just replace the end cover or you can often find a low mileage radiator in the parts for sale section. Check it out.

its 9 years old...IMO I would replace as opposed to repair at this point.

Oct 25, 2009 | 11:29 PM

byronhunter

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From: Kinston North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

I have a Dewitts in my car and I like it a lot but I had some beyond normal needs. It is an expensive piece and that kind of expense may not be for everyone. A low mileage replacement is a very cost effective solution as may well be having the existing radiator repaired. Age alone doesn't necessarily mean thing are no longer serviceable any more. All this also IMO.

Now, that's the FACTS!

Oct 26, 2009 | 06:50 AM

pewter99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by byronhunter

Now, that's the FACTS!

no thats his opinion as well

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Oct 26, 2009 | 06:52 AM

pewter99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

and I agree with you but my thinking is that when you buy something used you never really know what you are getting and while it may be perfect when it was in the car some damage may occur during removal and therefor not be any better than what he has. Also at least buying new he has some warranty coverage.

Oct 26, 2009 | 12:40 PM

#10

byronhunter

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From: Kinston North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by pewter99

no thats his opinion as well

I certainly agree with you too.

But do we always replace everything that is 9 years old? Ideal situtation, "Dewitts Radiator," if he dosn't want to spend that much money, replace just the end tank. Just my opinion.

Oct 26, 2009 | 06:49 PM

#11

bobc997615

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 321

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From: bloomington Indiana

My radiator had a 1 inch long crack near the top hose neck that I "fixed" with JB Weld. Your results may vary. The radiator hose clamp was rubbing the shroud, so I cleared the should. Maybe the "bind" between the clamp & shroud caused the side tank to crack. 5k miles later with no leak but fix it the way that will make you confident.

May 16, 2010 | 09:19 AM

#12

wreakhavoc

Racer

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 323

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From: Austin Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronhunter

Removal Procedure
Remove the fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement .
Reposition the throttle body heater outlet hose clamp from the radiator using J 38185...

As if we are all supposed to know that "J 38185" is swahili for a hose clamp removal tool?

Last edited by wreakhavoc; May 16, 2010 at 10:03 AM.

Jul 1, 2010 | 02:13 AM

#13

MrHiPerf

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From: Exit 105 New Joisey

Even though this thread is kind of dated, I'm gonna add to it. I have replaced my water pump (which was shot and squealing like a bitch, made me embarrassed to drive the car) , my coolant reservoir (top tube near fill cap had become brittle and broke) , and now, the radiator is leaking here:

Sometimes I feel like I'm playing whack-a-mole with this car!

Jul 1, 2010 | 02:35 AM

#14

MrHiPerf

Racer

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Posts: 278

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From: Exit 105 New Joisey

Coolant reservoir tank showing failed attempt to seal tube with epoxy:

The first leak occurred as a pinhole at the inside end of the overflow tube. This epoxy fix failed to work also:

Jul 1, 2010 | 02:52 AM

#15

elderberry

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2010

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if you change a part , you should upgrade ( if possible ) , not just replace
IMHO

Jul 1, 2010 | 07:19 AM

#16

ipuig

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2008

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From: Florida

St. Jude Donor '09

Quote:

Originally Posted by ic98

Removal procedure:

1. Purchase a service manual.
2. Consult the service manual prior to replacing or repairing the car.
3. Perform the repair or replacement, consult the service manual while performing this step.
4. Complete repair, consult the service manual to verify you did not miss anything.
5. Test drive car.
6. Store service manual in a safe location for the next repair.

May 1, 2013 | 05:52 PM

#17

WildBZ06

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Joined: Oct 2011

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From: Dallas TX

Very old thread, but there are still guys out there that look for info so I'll add some to this thread. My stock radiator cracked in the same place, top of d.s. plastic end tank. There is a fine seam in the plastic rt there. I ordered a used one from a salvage yard online. Swapped it out on afternoon, took a couple hrs. I put some system flush in it and let it run for a bit, and holy **** it had a crack in the exact same spot! Couldn't see it until it had hot water pushing out. Got my money back and now trying to decide what to do now, fix mine or buy new replacement.

May 1, 2013 | 06:26 PM

#18

racebum

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 16,027

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From: oregon

brand new oem radiators from ac delco are 180 shipped via amazon

had no idea there was much of a market for used plastic tank rads

May 1, 2013 | 10:08 PM

#19

BLWN2KC5

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: South Central York Area PA

Procharged C5 radiator swap

Found a leak, So I need to replace my radiator. I'm looking for "Procharged" C5 radiator swap information because I had to replace the stock cradle with Prochargers cradle which leans the radiator and AC condenser back at a steeper angle to allow for the blower air tube and filter. After crawling under the car to see what I was getting myself into. I wasn't sure if taking the radiator out through the top or from underneath would be easier. Prochargers website doesn't have the information I'm looking for.

But, on their website they do have an exact picture of my system (top of engine) setup. It's gonna be a PITA!

http://www.procharger.com/c5_corvette.shtml

Any body out there got some tips or tricks?

Much appreciated.