Radiator separated

[eLeSthree]

Has anyone ever seen our radiators leak from the plastic end tanks?

I noticed some water/coolant on my garage floor and after investigating, it's coming from the bottom of the radiator where the plastic end cap meets the aluminum core.

If I squeeze the plastic end cap, the leak gets worse. What a piece of shit.

I have had zero cooling issues. I have a centri blower with surprisingly low IAT's, and my water temp is always around 180ish in Florida.

I have no need to upgrade the radiator for cooling purposes, especially since it's a very tight fit already, but I'm afraid to put another dual material radiator in and have the same problem later.

This car will see a bit more boost...


What are some cost effective options for replacements?

I'd rather try another stocker before I drop $799 on a dewitts or becool, so dont bother suggesting those high dollar deals that need fans and wont fit.

I need a solid aluminum "drop in replacement" that wont break the bank.

Any suggestions?

[eLeSthree]

The leak is Right where the metal teeth grab the plastic end tank.

[xc_SS/RS]

There’s someone selling a mishimoto radiator with spaal fans/fan shroud on it for cheap in the classified

[Vegas Bound]

Is divorce next or marriage counseling?

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

There’s someone selling a mishimoto radiator with spaal fans/fan shroud on it for cheap in the classified

I did see that, but I dont think it will fit. With the blower and the intake piping already being so close to the stock fans, there's no way a fat 3 core and fans is fitting in there. Plus it looks pretty busted.

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

Is divorce next or marriage counseling?

I think counseling at a minimum when she realizes the "engine" I just bought doesnt even have heads. hahaah Still got another $4000 to complete the longblock. Which I just sent to the Home Depot card to close out. So that bought me some wiggle room.

[InFiD3ViL]

I have a similar issue, mine is weeping from the crimps. I looked into Mishimoto, which is still too high for me right now. Next option was Champion radiators on Ebay. They have decent reviews from what I can find and are supposedly 'direct fit' in 3 and 4 row for our cars, all aluminum.

They range from $205-300.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Alumi...8AAOSwDlda5z5M

[GONIF]

I-800 radiator ,inexpensive and made in China but works as good as the factory radiator . Has a Lifetime warrantee. Under $150.00. Been using them on lot cars and trucks with no problems. The one we put in my brothers 2005 f150 5 years ago and 200000 miles ago is still working fine in the Phoenix heat ,and he tows a 27 ft boat up to lake Powell twice a month in the summer every year. Should work fine in a stock or lightly modified Camaro. How it would work with FI I don't know , but if the factory radiator worked b4 it leaked this one should be as good.

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I have a similar issue, mine is weeping from the crimps. I looked into Mishimoto, which is still too high for me right now. Next option was Champion radiators on Ebay. They have decent reviews from what I can find and are supposedly 'direct fit' in 3 and 4 row for our cars, all aluminum.

They range from $205-300.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Alumi...8AAOSwDlda5z5M

Originally Posted by GONIF

I-800 radiator ,inexpensive and made in China but works as good as the factory radiator . Has a Lifetime warrantee. Under $150.00. Been using them on lot cars and trucks with no problems. The one we put in my brothers 2005 f150 5 years ago and 200000 miles ago is still working fine in the Phoenix heat ,and he tows a 27 ft boat up to lake Powell twice a month in the summer every year. Should work fine in a stock or lightly modified Camaro.

Thank you guys. I was just looking into the champion sold from Jegs. Says direct fit, all aluminum about $250.

Just searched for I-800 radiators, but didnt find much. I'd prefer direct fit.

Also found a remanufactured unit from Sunbelt (local) on ebay for $83 shipped, lifetime warranty. Sounds like a winner for the quick fix

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I have a similar issue, mine is weeping from the crimps. I looked into Mishimoto, which is still too high for me right now. Next option was Champion radiators on Ebay. They have decent reviews from what I can find and are supposedly 'direct fit' in 3 and 4 row for our cars, all aluminum.

They range from $205-300.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Alumi...8AAOSwDlda5z5M

Actually, I think what I will do, since I am pulling my motor this weekend anyway, is wait. Wait until the new motor is in and ready to go, then buy the champion. If it doesnt fit, cool, or for any reason, I can return it within 60 days.

Thanks

[Rock-It Man]

Years ago when plastic tanks with crimped on aluminum cores were a new thing, radiator sealant tabs were called out in GM shop manuals, to be added with every coolant change.

I would try that.

[eLeSthree]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

Years ago when plastic tanks with crimped on aluminum cores were a new thing, radiator sealant tabs were called out in GM shop manuals, to be added with every coolant change.

I would try that.

I didn't understand what you meant at first. Tabs as in Tablets. As in sealant tablets. hmm. I would do it on this motor, but i don't want it flowing through the brand new Dart 427 in weeks to come.

I thank you very much for your suggestion, but I think I'm just gonna get one that doesn't leak. Good info tho. I'd do it if it wasn't a high powered deal.

[Big Biscuits]

Don’t put anything in the coolant! Just...no! Go with a known brand that works. You have too much invested for a stock replacement. Go bigger and move some things around to make it fit. You may have pushed some combustion gas into the coolant(lifted a head) and pressurized the cooling system. Happens when you send that much boost through with stock head bolts. Just a thought. Plastic radiator tanks will leak when pushed past the pressure on the radiator cap. Happens all the time on production oem cars, trucks, and equipment.

[GONIF]

Radiator 103672
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[LsxDoctor]

Same thing happened to mine. Picked up an amazon one for $110 (they're $152 now) and it's been just fine for over a year. No issues in any conditions, just like OEM.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1