I have a small leak that seems to be coming from the bottom of the radiator and runs out and drips on to the ground on the drivers side...I can't see exactly where it is leaking....The radiator is 2 years old (professionally replaced at the shop), the hoses are fine and it isn't coming from the drain plug...Plenty of heat.....Any ideas on what it could be ??? Thanks for any help or ideas....
I would replace the radiator.
General Motors radiators are cross flow and have plastic tanks on each side. The plastic tanks are crimped to the core and have a rubber seal between the tank and core. If the radiator you have in the truck is made by AC-Delco, the tanks are replaceable and come with the rubber seal. A replacement tank is about $50.00 and labor to replace it is about $55.00 - $60.00.
Find an automotive radiator shop in your area and ask them if they replace tanks on radiators. If they don't, ask them which shop does that kind of work.
If the radiator you had "professionally replaced" is an aftermarket one such as Four Seasons, it may or may not have the replaceable tanks and will need to be evaluated by the automotive radiator shop.
Most radiators (these days) are aluminum, but still can be repaired if there is a hole in the aluminum causing the leak.
Don't throw the radiator away until you know that 1) the radiator isn't worth fixing or 2) the repair will cost more than a quality replacement radiator.
Good luck with the leak!
Try about $550.00 And yes it's a plastic tank, with a small hole that can't be repaired. They don't last very long. Most manufacturers use the plastic. To improve fuel economy. And less expensive to produce. They put them in the larger vehicles now.
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| | Try about $550.00 And yes it's a plastic tank, with a small hole that | can't be repaired. They don't last very long. Most manufacturers use | the plastic. To improve fuel economy. And less expensive to produce. | They put them in the larger vehicles now.
The plastic tanks are available as a replaceable part. You do not need to purchase a new radiator. Try a parts store with an AC-Delco sign out front. They are the only ones that will be able to supply a replacement tank. Or, find a radiator repair shop that repairs GM radiators. They also are able to order replaceable plastic tanks for the radiators. And, of course, the plastic tanks are available from your local GM parts department if they aren't available from any other source.
At any rate, replacing a plastic tank is much less expensive than a whole new radiator. And while the radiator shop has the tank off, any sedimentary build up in the core can be cleaned.
Just for grins, I just went to
Have a great day!
Anyone ever check this site out?
My take is this: If the plastic type doesn't suit your needs, go for a full blown after market unit that is of high quality and comes with a lifetime warranty. If it's affordability, then go with the best price available. Drop the truck and radiator off at a good repair shop if you can't perform the task yourself. Unless the local shop doesn't gouge you for parts (hard to find), do your own shopping.
I bought a 3 core copper radiator from the local radiator shop for my Suburban for less then $250. They had to change my hose fittings , and I had to get bigger rubber mounts but. it wont melt when the truck overheats.
I'm taking it back to the shop that did the repair...They have done all my work for years and they will go good for it or I will find a new shop..The radiator has a life time warranty...
No interest in this but I've had very good luck with:
Corey Veibl
Elite Radiator & A/C Distribution
President/Owner
Cell: (321) 720-7756
snipped-for-privacy@eliteautoac.com
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