Roger

hello All,

Like others before me, the radiator side tank (passenger side) on my 87s4 has begun to leak. There are vendors that sell the side tank and seal in addition to those that sell repair kits (Jager use to sell a kit that used a type of epoxy).

I've searched the forum, but I have not found a procedure that actually explains how the replacement is done. Has anyone personally replaced their side tanks...or is this best left to the professionals? I've read that the "plumbing" inside the passenger side tank is very fragile.

I contacted a local radiator shop (Chicagoland area) and was told that I probably need a new radiator. They were more than willing to try to pry the tabs, but I didn't like the "if they break, they break" attitude that I was getting. It was probably a realistic diagnosis for a 20 year old car...but I wasn't willing to let him experiment on my radiator knowing that if he fails it's a simple "I told you so...and by the way, a new radiator will be $1200...will that be Visa or Master Card".

Any information on the replacement process or recommended shops in the Chicagoland area (Chicago western suburbs) would be gratefully appreciated.

thanks,
Roger
87s4

blown 87

I would look for another radiator shop.

The shop should be able to do it once with out any problems with the metal work hardening.

There are shops that specialize in Behr radiators.

chaadster

Roger,

I have a new passenger side radiator end-tank and gasket for sale if you're interested. I bought it from 929 Int'l to repair my '88s leak, but ran into the broken tab issue when a shop (the only one I could find to do it) attempted the R&R. It was never installed, anyway, and I never returned to 928 Int'l even though they gave me a return authorization! It was $95 shipped, but I'll get it to you for $65 shipped. I can even include a used cooler (the inside part) if you want; I wound up going with a used replacement radiator from 928 Int't.

Roger

I forgot, I have an automatic trans in my 87

Roger

Roger

Blown 87,

Do you know if there's a listing of the shops that specialize in the Behr radiators?

Chaad,

I may take you up on your offer...I first have to locate a shop that I'm comfortable with.

Guys, thanks for the quick replies.

Roger

blown 87

Sorry I do not know if there is but here is a link to contact them, just hit the more info button.

http://www.behrgroup.com/info/faq.php#

heinrich

Rog, you can have it done and done right Brother ... I've done it.

Sab

It seems to be that way... If they break, they break.
I had successfully had my S4 radiator end tank repaired and next time around on my GT the same shop, same tech showed me how the tabs on that radiator where just not up to the task anymore.
So I bought a new one ($489.00). The nice thing is that the car runs significantly cooler with the new rad. So it was well worth the expense. Seems like these old radiators also loose efficiency over time.

Bill Ball

The tab statement is realistic. My radiator shop was equipped to deal with the Behr sidetank radiators but warned me the tabs might break. None did. New sidetank has been good for more than a year. The shop should have tool made for un-crimping and re-crimping the tabs and a jig for compressing the sidetank in place when doing the re-crimp.

Garth S

To repair a Behr rad, the smart tip would be to use a zip wheel or dremel to cut the leaking plastic tank away from the tabs prior to straightening them to accept a new tank and gasket - this minimizes stress on the tabs.
Another alternative is to source a new all aluminium rad from the big three

heinrich

Garth this is what I have always done. Works fine.

Greggles

If you're willing to ship it, these guys were recommended by someone on the nichols site.
http://www.tanksntabs.com/ (nashville location)

SharkSkin

The tabs seem to be good for one replacement of the side tank, from what I've heard. After that, they begin to break off.

Roger

hello everyone,

Thanks for all of the information and for the words of encouragement. As Garth suggested, I'll carefully remove (cut) the plastic end tank prior to bending the tabs. I'll then bring it to a shop and have them perform the installation.

Chaad,

Please check your email...I'm definately interested in purchasing the items from you.

Thanks again...

Regards,
Roger
87s4

FRporscheman

It was pretty easy to replace while the fender was off......

EDIT: oops, I thought you meant the expansion tank, sorry.