Radiator question

[Wayne P.]

How does one know when it is time to replace an aluminum radiator.
I understand that they deterate over a period of time.
I noticed what I thought was a small steam like cloud coming out the top of radiator by the upper hose.
Haven't seen it again for a while ? thanks for any advice also were to buy one if required.

[Joe L.]

Re: Radiator question

How does one know when it is time to replace an aluminum radiator.
I understand that they deterate over a period of time.
I noticed what I thought was a small steam like cloud coming out the top of radiator by the upper hose.
Haven't seen it again for a while ? thanks for any advice also were to buy one if required.

Wayne------


The usual way that one knows is that the radiator starts to leak, usually from the tubes. If an aluminum radiator is old and starts to leak, there's generally no point in trying to perform a repair.

The cooling efficiency of aluminum radiators may deteriorate as they get older, too. This is caused by the build-up of mineral deposits and/or aluminum oxide corrosion products. So, they might start providing inadequate cooling before they start leaking.

[Mark H.]

Re: Radiator question

Hi Wayne. I recently replaced my radiator in my '66 with a date-coded aluminum radiator from DeWitt's. Now running about 30-degrees cooler than previously. It's not cheap, but a great product.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Radiator question

Mark did you buy the Model number 942 ? looks great big bucks.
That is a huge drop temp.

[Mike M.]

Re: Radiator question

the presence of a white-ish deposit where the tubes intersect with the end tanks is a sign of imminent failure. mike

[Mark H.]

Re: Radiator question

Hi Wayne. I bought model 941, which is appropriate for a '66. This new radiator replaced a cheaper alternative that I purchased a few years ago, when I bought a brass replacement unit.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Radiator question

Mark did the brass replacement work well ? I assume it didn't if the aluminum one gave you a 30 degree drop in temp ?

[Mark H.]

Re: Radiator question

Hi Wayne. The brass radiator was okay, but my engine (L79) never ran cooler than 210. I had replaced the original radiator with this brass one several years ago; went the cheaper route and did consider the DeWitt's radiator back then. I think at that time the DeWitt radiators were running in the $500 range; now they're just above $900 or so. Now I'm running consistently 165-170 degrees.