Imo000

If the cap is leaking pressure, it will first only vent air so you can't realy see it.

Art20c

Today after first start in the morning, coolant light went right on. Checked JB weld, its still on and holding, at least no visible leaks there, so I guess it is cap. I'm so frustrated with this Devek radiator, when I got it I thought thats it, no more problem with coolant (btw, right after original radiator started leaking, expansion tank developed a crack and had to be replaced as well). Now I got hole in 2 year old radiator, and for some reason cap decided to go at the same time as radiator. The strangest thing is that I don't drive much, no more than 10K during last 2 years.

perrys4

I feel your pain, seems I had this same stuff happening to often for a car that I drove about 3k a year. Since making it my DD I have had less issues. I have heard they like to be driven, not sure if that is the cae or if I just have most everything sorted out by now.

Marine Blue

Art if you're near Eastern MA I have a spare radiator cap which I know is fine. You're welcome to have it to get you by, no charge.

Marine Blue

I would also check your coolant and your oil to make sure you're not losing coolant into the block.

Art20c

There are no signs of oil mixing with antifreeze.
Thank you for your offer, but I think i can find cap here in New York.

Randy V

Also make sure that coolant is not entering the transmission cooling loop.

Art20c

How do I check this?

trialattorney

I installed a Devek aluminum radiator more than 4 years and 50k miles ago on my 89 auto (the "Hawaiian") - it has welded end caps, has never leaked and continues to work flawlessly. Maybe I got lucky?

FlyingDog

Very.

a4sfed928

So there are two types of Devek radiators out there, one with welded endcaps and one with glued endcaps. Which one is the good one?

Vilhuer

Right
Since fully welded is later version its fairly safe to presume endtank welding was started for a reason. I think it has been shown in here previously that glued ends can cause problems.

Art20c

That is what pisses me off. I got fully welded radiator, and it leaked
Oh, I forgot to mention that I found problem with low pressure issue. That was lose clamp on one of return lines to expansion tank. Tighten it up, thats it, pressure is ok, no leaks from there, and thus far JB Weld holds, even under pressure. But for sure, I will later remove radiator and weld it.

Jascd

I have the devek rad. with welded end caps. Now 2 years old and no problems. Touch wood.

Marine Blue

I also have one going into it's 5th year, no issues...knock on wood. Performance of mine is excellent with the car running cool in even the hottest weather.

However I will say that if Devek sold these as upgrades to the stock radiator they were wrong regarding the longevity standpoint. Disappointing to hear about so many failures