KARR

Well, I bought a new radiator online, and went to have it installed today. When I went to pick her up, the mechanic told me that my old radiator, (which was the original) and was 20 years old this year, weighed about 25 more pounds than the new one he put in! It was all clogged up and filled with sludge, but there were no leaks or signs that I had a problem. I discovered the issue when I went flush the system.

FYI: might be something to look at if you haven't already addressed this.

hogsnvettes

I got a new one today as well, but I know I have a leak. It's coming from the lower right where the relief valve is located. I've been smelling coolant for some time but just found where it was coming from a few weeks ago when I had it up on a lift. While your stock radiator may not have been leaking, from what I've read here it was only a matter of time.

nutz4c4

....Should have pulled it and cleaned out the crap..Just sayin'

GREGGPENN

There ya have it! Swap to a new radiator and you have the weigh-savings needed to install a set of those heavy-azz AFRs!

PLRX

good one Gregg

1Asterisk

How much did they charge for the install? I just did this one myself.

If it had that much sludge in it then maybe someone mixed green coolant with dexcool.

Be sure to clean out your reserve/overfill tank. Mine had a nasty film on it that took some scrbbing to clean off.

KARR

I was charged $240 for the labor and $15.99 for the coolant. I didn't think that was too bad considering what it takes to get that thing out of there.

The whole system has been cleaned out now, and we are good to go.

Goldcylon

After 20 years of age these radiators tend to swell at the plastic ends of the radiator as well. Replacing it for GP is not a bad idea as well as the fins tend to be bent in areas and of course the 20+ years of sand, slit and micro rocks accumulate. Hope you did look the serp belt and the rad hoses while you where there and of course the radiator cap.

KARR

I had already replaced the serpentine and all hoses under the hood. New harmonic balancer, thermostat, water pump and opti, so we should be good for years to come.

Goldcylon

You sould be in fine shape. Enjoy that ride

dayle97se

KARR: what brand radiator did you get? price? what website?

KARR

I bought an AC Delco radiator from Amazon.com, which shipped from Corvette Central for $189.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Chevrolet-1990...9405862&sr=8-1