Radiator Replacement

[TiredIronGRB]

When I got my '91 (last Oct) the radiator had just been replaced with an aftermarket one, shortly after I started wheeling it it started leaking. At first it was just a drop or two overnight but recently it is a constant dip.

I removed the radiator yesterday and noticed it was very tight between the brackets, the brackets on the body were rubbing against the radiator frame so the rubber cushions were not able to do their job. I'm wondering if this might be common and the reason for so many radiator failures.

I trimmed the brackets so the new radiator will only be resting on the cushions.

 

[IdahoDoug]

GRB,

It's a tough call since it's an aftermarket rad, so the slightly off clearances or manufacturing tolerances might be the culprit there. I'm not aware of rad issues in that way.

The 80's only rad issues seem to be with the O rings under the plastic top tanks getting compressed by mechanics leaning on them over the years. Combined with age, this seam is where they leak. The rings are about $40 for two (there's one on the bottom plastic tank, also). In extreme cases, the top tank can get cracked and eventually fail - sometimes dramatically.

Did you put new cushions in after the trim?

DougM

 

[TiredIronGRB]

Mine is all metal, the cushions are rubber and were in good shape.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Metal is good. 'Cept in your head.....

DougM

 

[Sangamo]

Metal is good. 'Cept in your head.....

DougM

Words to live by!!