Any value?: Old radiator with a bad side tank
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Any value?: Old radiator with a bad side tank
Hi All
Removing the original Behr radiator from my 1991 automatic and replacing with a CSF unit.
I am fairly certain the leak it had was from one of the side tanks (left side facing radiator)
Does the unit being removed have any value and if so, are any of you folks interested in it!!
Hate to just throw it aside
jsm
Removing the original Behr radiator from my 1991 automatic and replacing with a CSF unit.
I am fairly certain the leak it had was from one of the side tanks (left side facing radiator)
Does the unit being removed have any value and if so, are any of you folks interested in it!!
Hate to just throw it aside
jsm
#3
Rennlist Member
I had a side tank replaced at a local radiator shop. I sourced the tank and seal from Roger@928sRus and the local radiator shop had the jig to hold the radiator tank snug while securing the tabs. It is possible to DIY, but I use the radiator shop to flush anyway, so I let them install it and test it. The radiator shop charges me $50/side tank. I forgot what Roger charges for the side tank replacement and seal itself.
It can be nice to have a replacement unit on hand. Just sayin'
It can be nice to have a replacement unit on hand. Just sayin'
Last edited by soontobered84; 10-20-2017 at 12:37 PM. Reason: add
#4
Chronic Tool Dropper
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A regular radiator shop will be able to pressure test the unit with a little air, sink it and look for telltale bubbles to pin down the leak. As John suggests, they will help you evaluate the condition, perhaps clean it for you if it's fouled, and replace the tanks and seals as necessary.
The hot side is the one you mention as the probably failure. The other side is the same age but has suffered slightly less thermal abuse in the ~~30 years since the radiator was built. The dr's advice tends to be conservative -- replace both tanks and the seals WYAIT, and store the radiator as a spare. A properly cleaned, resealed and tested Behr radiator will always have a market value greater than your resto costs. Also: Work with the radiator shop to protect the original stickers and labels if they are in good condition now. Chem cleaning the core can be tough on them, and it takes just a little effort to suspend the radiator with that top panel out of the cleaning solution. A good shop has probably had this request before and knows what works.
The one in my car has been cleaned and resealed. It didn't really need either but I was chasing an odd temperature symptom. Turned out to be the thermostat. At about the same time I managed to get in on a 928 International one-time offering of brand new Behr radiators. It didn't have the right stickers, so my original went back in. Very regular coolant services with G05 and distilled water have kept the metal parts pretty much new. But the tanks do suffer from old age and heat exposure. It's amazing how long everything seems to last when you think about it.
The hot side is the one you mention as the probably failure. The other side is the same age but has suffered slightly less thermal abuse in the ~~30 years since the radiator was built. The dr's advice tends to be conservative -- replace both tanks and the seals WYAIT, and store the radiator as a spare. A properly cleaned, resealed and tested Behr radiator will always have a market value greater than your resto costs. Also: Work with the radiator shop to protect the original stickers and labels if they are in good condition now. Chem cleaning the core can be tough on them, and it takes just a little effort to suspend the radiator with that top panel out of the cleaning solution. A good shop has probably had this request before and knows what works.
The one in my car has been cleaned and resealed. It didn't really need either but I was chasing an odd temperature symptom. Turned out to be the thermostat. At about the same time I managed to get in on a 928 International one-time offering of brand new Behr radiators. It didn't have the right stickers, so my original went back in. Very regular coolant services with G05 and distilled water have kept the metal parts pretty much new. But the tanks do suffer from old age and heat exposure. It's amazing how long everything seems to last when you think about it.
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the input, sounds like it is worth hanging onto and having repaired by a reputable shop. It made it >25 years so could not have asked much more of it!
#7
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If anyone's interested I have a pair of the replacement tanks to sell. PM for details ...
$100 plus shipping. Used 3 mos, includes an AT cooler installed in the right tank, but no gaskets.
$100 plus shipping. Used 3 mos, includes an AT cooler installed in the right tank, but no gaskets.
Last edited by Tom in Austin; 10-24-2017 at 03:21 PM.
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#8
Chronic Tool Dropper
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Tom, go ahead and post the condition and your price please if this is in fact an offer to sell them.