When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've been told that I might need a new radiator, but I'd love to get a diagnosis here. I'm getting ready to flush and fill it if it looks salvageable. Can the fins be straightened easily enough?
I live in New England, so summers up here are pretty moderate.
The outside looks reasonably OK... fins can be straightened with a comb or two mini straight blade screwdrivers and some patience.
More important is what the insides are like... and if it leaks. If the inside water passages are mostly clear and no leaks it should work OK. If the insides are gunked up with hard deposits and/or rust, different story.
Agree good idea to flush it out and give it a try... and go from there. If it is gunked up, it can be serviced however cost is usually higher vs a new radiator.
I'd also add... I have one or two old copper core radiators that turned to a greenish white powder with age. Some of these units just disinagrate from age. I replace one with a Champion unit, have one that's patched with JB Weld, and a couple original that all work just fine.
The comb only works on fins that are in a line like AC condenser units.
The only way I see to get them straight is small needle nose pliers or as said mini screw drivers.
Have you checked on a new one? What is your time worth working on this one and motor worth if it over heats.
I can also tell you only way to know if it is good or not is to have a shop check it.
After they "boil it out" to clean it, they flow test it and if the flow is too low it is no good. Now you could have it rodded, the top is taken off and a rod is run down each tube to clean it but this can lead to a rod going thru a tube or 2 turning it to junk.
Now if you still want to go with it I would flush it first and if it does not leak then look to fix the fins.
I say this because last weekend I spent time on a AC condenser unit that took a hit from a water pump when motor was pulled (not by me). I was told it leaked so I put air psi to it and it held air so I went and fixed the fins.
After the fins were fixed I wanted to blow it out as it has been open for 2 years.
That's went I found the air would not pass thru the crushed tube as fast as needed so all that time was wasted!
just my .02
Dave ----
A crushed tube or two in a radiator is not as critical (as long as they don't leak) since the flow thru a radiator is not in-line like an evaporator......
It doesn't look that bad to me. Is it currently cooling reasonably well?
If it's decent, I'd straighten the worst of the fins with a small screwdriver.
Probably take the radiator to a shop and ask for a professional diagnosis. I've had a supercooling rodded-out, pressure-tested, cleaned and painted for way less than replacement cost.
I've also had the diagnosis come back with bad news. That's not as fun...
Another question: How do you get the drain plug out??? It's a winged piece of plastic that feels like it's about to snap off when I try to unscrew it.
Bright side: I drained my radiator today and it came out bright green with no gunk. Looks like it's somehow hung in there remarkably well and will probably not need to be replaced.
Originally Posted by PapaBearYuma
It doesn't look that bad to me. Is it currently cooling reasonably well?
I haven't run the engine very long just yet because I'm working on a number of things and I'm not sure if it's ready. I'll keep you all posted!
Another question: How do you get the drain plug out??? It's a winged piece of plastic that feels like it's about to snap off when I try to unscrew it.
Trust that feeling - it will probably snap off!
I'd leave it in there and drain the radiator by undoing the bottom hose. It will be fast so be careful and wear rubber gloves if you are doing it when hot. Also remove the cap so there is no residual pressure to force that hot water out and scald you...
If it cools and doesn't leak then it'll be fine. A few damaged fins can be straightened... or left as is with only a tiny effect on the radiator. I've seen much worse run perfectly fine.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
