Radiator Repair?

[dixond]

So, my radiator is leaking like a biatch. Got done driving it last Sunday and it was pissing on the garage floor. I have a visual on the problem and I'm headed home over the weekend to yank it out and get a better look at exactly what is wrong with it.
I believe I may have mounted it too stiffly to the frame rails and am afraid that the flexing has caused some of the vanes to separate from the endtanks as the fluid seems to be collecting, before it runs off, on the outside of the radiator at the driver side corner. If that is the case, I might have to get another radiator depending upon the amount of damage I've done.. I'm hoping that it somehow is just a leak from somewhere on the driverside endtank, but I'm not very optimistic as I've heard of this being a problem... :rolleyes: yay for stupidity
Anyone know somebody that does good work with radiators? I'll be looking for an expert opinion once I get the thing out of the car and I'm not quite sure where to go.

[Pegasus_Red]

I am no radiator expert by any means (aircooled engine > h2o pumper ;) )
I had a leak develop on my volvo radiator and ended up having to replace it due to plastic cracking. Why not switch over to an aluminum one since you already have that one out?

[dixond]

I am no radiator expert by any means (aircooled engine > h2o pumper ;) )
I had a leak develop on my volvo radiator and ended up having to replace it due to plastic cracking. Why not switch over to an aluminum one since you already have that one out?

It is aluminum.

[AadosX]

so yours is aluminum?

[VR4Rob]

Heh, you could put an egg in it. Worked for Mythbusters :confused:

[Pegasus_Red]

Ill be honest, go ahead and drop the cash for a new one. I wouldnt mess with cooling for an engine like you have, too much at stake.

[AadosX]

great, something else in the way of a drop. =(

[IronMonkey]

So can you find exactly where the leak is? If its in the endtank, I dont see how you just cant weld it.

[dixond]

I'm heading home on Friday to take a look. If it's the endtank, then I'm fine as I know its an easy fix... if its a vane (and worst case is that it is multiple vanes), then I might just get them to seal them off. The radiator is a very large one, so I'm not too worried about cooling. With an open tstat, driving on the highway, it would not get above 140 degrees, so I know its able to chill the motor.
Granted, I'd love to buy some coilovers, but right now I've gotta hold onto my cash for a bit. If I secure a GRA position w/ the university, then I'll be inclined to have some fun (free tuition plus $600/month stipend - i think). I'll eventually make it right, all in due time fellas.

P.S. If wheel gap really makes your eyes bleed, then feel free to drop me some cash and I'll cure it sooner, rather than later.

[gangsta coupe]

great, something else in the way of a drop. =(
I am talking him into heating the stockers and just letting it ride bump

[VR4Rob]

P.S. If wheel gap really makes your eyes bleed, then feel free to drop me some cash and I'll cure it sooner, rather than later.
Woooooooooooord. Good luck on that radiator.

[dixond]

UPDATE:

Took my radiator to:
Auburn Generator & Starter Service
334-887-3977
225 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830

at the suggestion of Gangstacoupe. They were the only shop I had talked to that could do a pressure test with the radiator outside of the car. Everywhere else wanted the radiator in the car and I had already removed it; so I was not wanting to spend 2-3 hours reinstalling it.
Since it was Friday and I was not going to make it back before they closed, my dad ran it by their shop for me. They put the radiator in their tank and found that the leak was coming from near the top of endtank where the vane connects. I was told that it was irrepairable and that I needed a new one.
I'm trusting that they know their ish as they probably see quite a few radiators...
SO... I put in an order to Hinson for a new radiator on Friday. I paid out the ass :bang: (comparably) for a radiator, but it's a direct bolt-in and it keeps it an all-Hinson car.
It'll be in sometime this week and I'll have my baby running again this weekend. :eek:

AND I'll finish the internship on Friday, so I'll be back at next week's meet

[xamraci]

UPDATE:

Took my radiator to:
Auburn Generator & Starter Service
334-887-3977
225 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830

at the suggestion of Gangstacoupe. They were the only shop I had talked to that could do a pressure test with the radiator outside of the car. Everywhere else wanted the radiator in the car and I had already removed it; so I was not wanting to spend 2-3 hours reinstalling it.
Since it was Friday and I was not going to make it back before they closed, my dad ran it by their shop for me. They put the radiator in their tank and found that the leak was coming from near the top of endtank where the vane connects. I was told that it was irrepairable and that I needed a new one.
I'm trusting that they know their ish as they probably see quite a few radiators...
SO... I put in an order to Hinson for a new radiator on Friday. I paid out the ass :bang: (comparably) for a radiator, but it's a direct bolt-in and it keeps it an all-Hinson car.
It'll be in sometime this week and I'll have my baby running again this weekend. :eek:

AND I'll finish the internship on Friday, so I'll be back at next week's meet


CUT YO SPRINGS before you come to the meet:sadwave:

[Pegasus_Red]

I actually noticed that place for the first time today. Im going to swing by and see if they can help me with mine and fuel tank as well. Sorry to hear that man.

[VDUBNDizzy]

Dood there has done me right before. :cool: