Radiator Compatibility
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 229
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From: Tennessee
Radiator Compatibility
I've noticed a small leak in the area of my radiator where the upper hose connects. Assuming it can't be fixed, there is someone is the area selling a radiator from an '81 auto. I have an '85. Will it work? Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,248
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FLORIDA
Oh my gawd!
First of all, don't even think about putting any sort of epoxy repair on the end tank. You're just pushing the crap to a later date- and probably making it worse!
Look at my thread "THE DEVEK RADIATOR".....It details my fiasco with radiators....and COOLERS!
If you have either a transmission or an oil cooler...you are in for a big 'ol ride! These are not available generally, and you get to convert to an oil to air like I did!
If the end tank is leaking [the radiator on these cars consists of a metal core and black nylon plastic end tanks], then you can replace the seal and be done with it. Any radiator shop can do this. If the plastic end tank itself is bad...and it contains a cooler...hang on tight sweety!
You need to tell us what exactly is leaking. If it is the tank, then post back here and start calling:
1. 928 International: 714-632-9288
2. 928 Specialists: 704-828-9280
3. Devek: 650-592-5287
[This last sells an aftermarket radiator that I DO NOT recommend. They DO sell a rebuilt OEM radiator that I DO recommend, however]
To see if you can find a tank with a cooler....
Hope this helps. If not...let us know. There are other options, but now you're getting into "homebrew" engineering~
Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed
First of all, don't even think about putting any sort of epoxy repair on the end tank. You're just pushing the crap to a later date- and probably making it worse!
Look at my thread "THE DEVEK RADIATOR".....It details my fiasco with radiators....and COOLERS!
If you have either a transmission or an oil cooler...you are in for a big 'ol ride! These are not available generally, and you get to convert to an oil to air like I did!
If the end tank is leaking [the radiator on these cars consists of a metal core and black nylon plastic end tanks], then you can replace the seal and be done with it. Any radiator shop can do this. If the plastic end tank itself is bad...and it contains a cooler...hang on tight sweety!
You need to tell us what exactly is leaking. If it is the tank, then post back here and start calling:
1. 928 International: 714-632-9288
2. 928 Specialists: 704-828-9280
3. Devek: 650-592-5287
[This last sells an aftermarket radiator that I DO NOT recommend. They DO sell a rebuilt OEM radiator that I DO recommend, however]
To see if you can find a tank with a cooler....
Hope this helps. If not...let us know. There are other options, but now you're getting into "homebrew" engineering~
Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 9
From: Gilbert, AZ
Along with the Big Three. 20th Auto Parts in Phoenix may be able to help you out. Im sure they have a used radiator waiting to be bought.
http://www.20car.com/index.htm
http://www.20car.com/index.htm
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Thanks so much for your input guys!
Norm. I got the car up to operating temp and then searched for the leak. As you suggested, it appears that the leak is coming from between the passenger side plastic end tank and the metal portion of the radiator. I am HOPING that this is the area in which the gasket you referenced is located. Also, I noted that there was a fair amount of oil on the hoses and the tank in this area which I assume explains the presence of some of the same in my coolant. I picked up a used radiator for $112 on EBay from someone parting out his car just in case. I'll keep you all advised.
BTW, I just ordered 2 radiator drain plugs. I figured that when mine snapped in half when removing it that it might be time for a change. Just a thought.
Norm. I got the car up to operating temp and then searched for the leak. As you suggested, it appears that the leak is coming from between the passenger side plastic end tank and the metal portion of the radiator. I am HOPING that this is the area in which the gasket you referenced is located. Also, I noted that there was a fair amount of oil on the hoses and the tank in this area which I assume explains the presence of some of the same in my coolant. I picked up a used radiator for $112 on EBay from someone parting out his car just in case. I'll keep you all advised.
BTW, I just ordered 2 radiator drain plugs. I figured that when mine snapped in half when removing it that it might be time for a change. Just a thought.