Hi. I have a service replacement 1961 Corvette radiator that was installed in 1973 purchased from our local Chevy dealer. It saw very little use since it was in storage for over 30 yrs. I started having overheating problems on hot days and tried to flush the radiator out with little success. I installed an aftermarket radiator and the overheating problems went away. Does any one know of a shop that can clean and repair these Aluminum radiators? Most shops around here do not deal with them. Thanks.
-
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Donald
You could call DeWitts and ask them, since they make radiators, but I think you are going to find that if yours is clogged to the point of restricting flow and causing overheating, the radiator is junk. They might be able to recore it but I doubt that any amount of flushing will cure the problem.
Terry -
Re: C-1 Radiator
Hi Thanks for the reply we were away for a few days. I did not know if Dewitt's would do something like that so I asked here before I called. A local shop is willing to try but said no guarantee if they ruin the radiator. Since it is 1970's service replacement I did not want to take the chance of ruining it if possible. Also did not know if there were any other options! I will call Dewitt's and see what they say. I assume their replacement radiators are good?? The replacement one in there now works very well but does not look like the OEM style!! Thanks again , Don.Comment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Don,
Please post the results of your call to Dewitts>
Thanks,
JRComment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Yes I will. I have tried to flush the radiator out several times myself off the car using several different chemical treatments available with a circulating pump. I did get it to run better but on a hot day and idling in traffic it will creep up! I even locked a spare clutch hub ( non Corvette) and just removed the clutch and went direct without a clutch hub to see if that would help out. It did work better but every time I sit in traffic it runs hot! It appears the water flows out well but I am not getting the heat transfer thru the core as needed so I assume the core walls have crud I cannot break free. Made a big mistake letting the car sit in storage all those years unused!Comment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Don, I have a similar situation in which I have a service replacement. I talked to a local shop to get it checked (mine was out of the car when I bought my project) to see if it was in good condition and usable. The one point that they made and stuck with me is that they can only verify how usable it was "at that moment" as a 50 year old rad. If it needs some repair, another issue could pop up in a month. Rather than chasing possible problems with a service replacement, I am going to order a "correct" new one from DeWitts when the time comes and I will not have to worry about a wrong part. EricComment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
If it's a stacked plate aluminum radiator, it's not reparable.
Assuming you've been using "green" anti-freeze and even changed it every 2-4 years the tubes are probably clogged up with silicate deposits.
If you get a new Dewitt's OE replacement aluminum radiator make sure you remove the block drain plugs and thoroughly flush the system. Install a 50/50 blend of Zerex G-05 (silicate and phosphate-free)/distilled water, change it every five years regardless of mileage, and it should way outlive most of us.
Be sure to replace the radiator mount rubber grommets and after installation verify that the radiator is electrically isolated from the chassis. Otherwise you will have an aluminum-iron galvanic cell, and aluminum is the sacrificial material, which will substantially reduce radiator life.
DukeComment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Hi I received a e-mail from Dewitt's. Yes the radiator cannot be repaired. I was hoping someone had a pickle to try and remove the scale from the inside tubes. They were very helpful and I appreciate it. I will store the service replacement one for now and continue to use the knock off one in there for now. She still needs much attention in the interior for now to bring her back to where she decent and looks as she should be!! Thanks for all the help, DonComment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Don-------
If the SERVICE radiator you have was once put in use and then stored DRY thereafter, then that's your problem. These aluminum radiators, once installed and filled, cannot be drained and stored dry. The radiator will now be junk and will not be functionally restorable.
If an aluminum radiator is to be stored after it's been in use, you must fill it with a fresh 50/50 coolant mix and cap the inlet, outlet and supply tank nipple.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: C-1 Radiator
Yes, the car was restored in the 1970's ( pre computer days not realizing many of the parts were specific to the Corvette) and stored for over 35 years not used! I purchased as many NOS parts as possible back then and of course did not know about service replacement parts. Missing parts were acquired from other Corvette wrecks or other Chevy's.The car was stripped of almost everything as she was drag raced back then. The time in storage did a number on the radiator (bad mistake). Live and learn. The forum is helping me out to right the wrong things. Many thanks.Comment
Comment