Radiator leak and replacement

[tlcsfe]

GREAT! I come home from work to hear the good news: my wire's 80's radiator is leaking. I look at it, and sure enough, I see green coolant coming out of the upper portion seams. Looking at a new $300 radiator or aftermarket ....question is: whats the difference between plastic/aluminum core vs. copper core... Finally, is this a pretty cut & dry job to change out radiators...any suggestions are appreciated my fellow cruisers....

 

[hward1]

radiator replacement was one of the first jobs i ever tackled years ago with just minimal tools -- copper was used long ago and lasted and could be repaired and plastic has been used for many years now im sure its the bottom line of making something cheaper but still get the same results to go plastic -- i guess its just harder to repair them but can be done if you find a old shop that can do it -- i have one local shop that will still do both cooper and plastic but i think its getting harder to find them -- but you can tackle this for sure and probably easier and faster just to buy a new one these days but check first

 

[greentruck]

The AL radiator provides a bit more cooling, while the brass core one is a bit more resistant to damage.

Two hardest things about radiator R&R are getting to the hidden bolts from the front by taking the grille and headlights loose and dealing with the battery tray where it helps the fan shroud seal around the edges.

And the fan shroud is surprisingly fragile, so take care with it. You'll understand about the battery tray issues by being careful, instead of trying to force past it -- especially if you have dual batteries...

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

If your tank is plastic and is leaking at the seam below the tank, you might try re-crimping the metal clamp that goes around the bottom of the tank. A few weeks ago our 94 started leaking around the seam after doing the front crankshaft seals and other work. I used a screwdriver and tapped down on each tab where the leak had developed and all is good. If a new radiator is needed, I have had good luck with the all aluminum ones on ebay.

 

[BullElk]

SUMMIT, are the eBay aluminum radiators a legitimate exact fit for a 97 80?

 

[greentruck]

If it's a Koyo, it'll fit.

 

[gtfour43]

GREAT! I come home from work to hear the good news: my wire's 80's radiator is leaking. I look at it, and sure enough, I see green coolant coming out of the upper portion seams. Looking at a new $300 radiator or aftermarket ....question is: whats the difference between plastic/aluminum core vs. copper core... Finally, is this a pretty cut & dry job to change out radiators...any suggestions are appreciated my fellow cruisers....

Search Amazon for a tyc brand. Its a koyo sold as a tyc.

 

[mattafact]

The Koyo c1917 is the one you want.