68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

[Jack C.]

Developed a nice leak on the original radiator. I can see where it is coming from. The radiator has never been out and would like to keep it that way. Did anyone have any luck in repairs without taking it out or is it just wishful thinking on my part? It's obvoius that it could use a good chemical flushing because it was running a little hot but don't want to take the chance.

[Dick W.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Jack, you might as well bite the bullet and remove the radiator for repairs. Hopefully that is all you will have to do. I owned a radiator shop for several years and found that the Harrison tubes were somewhat thin. They did a wonderful job of cooling, but if the car was in a harsh environment, or the owner negelected the cooling system maintenance, the core would be history.

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Dick, do you think the art of repairing an existing radiator still exists?

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Dick, do you think the art of repairing an existing radiator still exists?

Jack-----


Radiator cores can be repaired in some cases but not in the car. However, I don't really recommend trying to repair a core unless the radiator is relatively new and the damage can be determined to be caused by some external factor. Otherwise, if you repair a core you'll most likely find you'll be removing the radiator again in the short term to fix the NEXT leak. Guess what happens after that fix?

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Thanks, Dick and Joe. Do you recommend a supplier? Dewitts doesn't list a 68 BB replacement.

[William C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

If I recall correctly, (Havento owned one for about 20 years) the '68 BB is a copper rad. An old-line rad shop can recore using your end tanks and be good to go. Ask a truck repair shop where they send theirs.

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

That's what I was thinking. It is copper. Now to find a shop in NJ.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

If I recall correctly, (Havento owned one for about 20 years) the '68 BB is a copper rad. An old-line rad shop can recore using your end tanks and be good to go. Ask a truck repair shop where they send theirs.

Bill-----


Yes, the 1968 big block used a copper/brass radiator (except L-88 which, of course, used aluminum). The 1968 big block radiators are the same as 66-67 big block radiators. While these can be re-cored, I think that the only correct core available is the one offered by DeWitts. Others are 100% functional but not of original configuration.

[Duke W.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Whether or not a brass radiator is reparable depends on where the leak is. If a tube is leaking, it's recore time.

But leaks tyically occur at solder joints, and there are two main joints - end plate to core and side tank to end plate.

If it's leaking at these joints, a good radiator repair shop can remove the tanks and end plates, rod out the tubes, then solder everything together. A few years ago a radiator shop overhauled the radiator in my Cosworth Vega this way for a mere $75. (The charge is based on radiator dimensions so yours would be more, but certainly quite reasonable.)

Locate and remove the clip-on OE ID tag before taking the radiator to the shop. Radiator shops will through it away. They will also add their own tag (for warranty ID purpose), so discuss this with them and have them install their tag (sometimes just a piece of plastic letter tape) in an unobtrusive location.

Reinstall the clip on OE ID tag when you get the radiator back from the shop.

Use a 50/50 blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze and distilled water.

Duke

[Stephen L.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Jack, The radiator has lasted 40 years!! Repair might be short lived.

Pull the radiator, send it to Dewitts, and get it recored. Or, if you have a reputable radiator shop nearby, purchase a core from Dewitts and reuse the tanks.

I did this a few years ago and the radiator maintained its originality, but will probably last until I'm long gone......

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Thanks again. I found a shop locally which will do the job. I'll let you know how the job turns out.

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427/400 Radiator Leak Recommendations

Stephen, I'll call Dewitts about the recoring. Other than keeping the tanks, is there any reason why I shouldn't just get the DeWitt's whole package?