73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Stewart G Griffin on March 04, 2019, 07:58:09 PM
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What's involved with overhauling/rebuilding a radiator?
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If It's metal clean up the outside, remove any buildup on the inside, pull any major dents then test for leaks. If there are leaks weld them up. Re-test and if It's good paint it. If It's a newer one with the cheap plastic tanks I'm not how much they can do to repair it outside of a really good flush.
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Sometimes it is more involved than that! If the radiator has extensive leaks or corrosion, they actually pull the tanks off! It can get tricky and very involved.
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It used to be a standard fix to have a radiator "rodded" to clean out the core. They unsoldered the tanks, ran a thin rod through each passage to clean it out, cleaned it in muriatic acid, and soldered the tanks back on. Then they fixed any leaks and put on a coat of new paint. It sounds like a lot of work to me, but it was a very common service for radiators.
Bruce
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Local Radiator shop here does just that Bruce. They have been in business for 45 years! When I needed work done to my '91 CU774 radiator, the guys at the shop said, we can do it, but it will probably cost more than a replacement radiator. I went and bought a Spectra Premium replacement and then had them make the mods to it for the LS engine.
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During my last "altercation" with my old radiator, when it fell over in the garage and another part punched a hole in it, I used a Champion aluminum radiator from Jegs to replace it.
The Champion radiators are mid-priced for an aluminum radiator, and so far it has been working extremely well. I have a 195 degree thermostat, and a high flow Stewart water pump and thermostat, and temps are stable at about 185-190 degrees all the time. It dropped in to replace the old 3 row without any changes to make it fit. It was hot enough this weekend (about 90 degrees) to run the A/C during local driving and it still stayed at exactly the same temp.
Bruce
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i'm thinking about going with Champion as well.
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Do yourselves a favor and run an auxiliary ground off of the aluminum radiator frame.
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Do yourselves a favor and run an auxiliary ground off of the aluminum radiator frame.
Do you mean core support or the actual radiator?
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The Radiatori
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http://www.usradiator.com/chevrolet-truck-1973-77-6-cyl-v8-aluminum-radiator.html
If you dont want brass,copper...
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The Radiatori
'Splain.
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UPDATE/BIG PROBLEMS:
NOTE: Currently researching; will update asap.
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It better to get the OEM rad repaired if possible
Even if you have to pay for a new copper core and reuse the old brass tanks
Way better than an aluminum and plastic rad
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UPDATE/BIG PROBLEMS:
NOTE: Currently researching; will update asap.
UPDATE:
Ok, i went with Champion # EC716 which is the standard 2 core replacement. Went in easy. i think $149 from Jegs. This was only $10 more than the Autozone/Advance auto parts/ autoparts store unit, so i decided to go with Champion.
The problem i was describing above was that the overflow outlet is 5/16" while the truck has a 3/8" hose for the overflow tank. i believe most GM fullsize and intermediate cars also have a 3/8" hose?
i ended up getting a 5/16" to 3/8" adapter.
The radiator seems to work well; i tested today in about 85 degree heat. Just idling for 15 mins. and then driving around in all types of situations. The electric fan and radiator kept the temp at about 200 degrees. i have a 195 deg thermostat.
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The Champion radiators are not aluminum and plastic, they are all aluminum, and should hold up well.
Bruce