radiator replacement or repair
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
radiator replacement or repair
My radiator has a drip somewhere by the tranny cooler port on the drivers side. (cant see it cuz of the shroud) Otherwise it looks like its in good shape. It is stock as far as I can tell. It is a 3 core. I have called around and it looks like $100 should get it rodded out and sealed. I have looked all over and new radiators run between $250 and $500 depending on if it is brass or aluminum. I found a Murray Heat Transfer radiator made of aluminum with plastic tanks 4 core for $259. (the 3 core is the same price) Lifetime warr. Has anyone used one of these brands? At first I thought the plastic tanks was a bad idea but everything made the last 20 yrs is that way. SO should I just fix the one I have or buy a new one. I'd imagine I could save a few pounds with the Murry & I like the idea of swapping it out rather than taking a day or two to fix the old one. Also, what is a good method of cleaning the water jackets in the engine? I have used Prestone Super Flush in the past. Thanks guys.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 5
From: Near St. Joseph,MO
I've got one of the big radiators for a 460 that I was in the same boat. I found a local shop that will clean/check/seal/paint it for $80, so it'll be brand new again. It's not a tough decision for me, repair is a LOT cheaper and if it lasted 30 years once, it can do it again. 
I'd never even consider a plastic one, but that's my 3 scents. I've blown the plastic ends off and in half on cars with a 1/2 the engine.
I'd never even consider a plastic one, but that's my 3 scents. I've blown the plastic ends off and in half on cars with a 1/2 the engine.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 117
From: starship enterprise
I would repairyour unit. I have reaired my big 4 core 3 times now. Mine isn't an original but an autozone replacement, but when things get wrecked, smashed, fans blow apart, who cares what is up there? a new one, an old one, they will all break. Now, our radiator shop said that the plastic tanks are not practical to repair, if they do have issues, however the old brass or copper ones are repairable. I would rather have something that I can fix rather than throw it in the trash and have to buy a new one. Just my preference.
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