FrenchC6Corvette

Hi,I have a cooling leak coming from the radiator, the left plastic tank (side of the driver ) is broken near the top,there is a crack just in front where the cooling liquid is coming from the engine,the crak is 2 inches long, the car is a 2005 with 60000miles on the odo,the radiator has an engine oil cooler on the left tank (EOC) and a transmission cooler on the right side (TOC) because the car has the Z51 package,I wonder if this problem happen on other radiators without EOC.Does anyone knows this problem, is there aftermarket radiator with EOC and TOC with plastic tanks because the all aluminium one are very expensive.Any suggestions or links would be welcome !!!

RicK T

Don't have an answer for you, don't see much about radiators around here. I suggest you also ask in the C6 General Forum for the most exposure. Do you have parts sources where you are or do you have to get everything from the States? Good luck.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...discussion-74/

haljensen

I thought all current Corvette radiators used plastic tanks. Aluminum cores and plastic tanks seem to be the automotive standard for years. The side tanks are replaceable, any radiator shop can pull the radiator, rod it and replace the tank(s).

After 6 years and 60,000 miles you might be better off getting a new radiator.

glenB

Plastic tank failure is a common problem throughout the industry.

It's plastic, heat cycling is what kills it.

Check with a local radiator shop for an AC Delco or Modine replacement.

At one time they used to replace just the tank, but it became cost conscience to replace the unit, so ask around.

r.hillenbrand

order a new radiator or it I changed mine to a dewits for less than it cost for the oem radiator and it was an exact fit.

Z11409

Have seen this work in many cases,but have seen a couple failures.

Worth a try for $15.

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-09104.../dp/B000ALBYUY

johnodrake

vette6500

Mine is 05 Z51 and it cracked in the same place as yours about 2 years ago.
Had just made 4 runs on a short autocross course and there was a crack on the left plastic part of the radiator and it was pissing out coolant.
Ruined the day and paid to get a OEM radiator at dealer.

Later on I found out there are 100% aluminum radiators for about the same price in the aftermarket.
If it ever cracks again, will go for the 100% aluminum radiator.

I have never seen a radiator with plastic sides before so it was a surprise for me. Still don't understand why factory doesn't use an all aluminum radiator to eliminate weakness on the sides...

glenB

Motorhomes use all aluminum radiators and often failure at the tank. Most radiator shops will not repair them and they run between $2000 and $3000. It's a tough pill to swallow on one of those.

haljensen

Most radiators are aluminum cores with plastic tanks. The cores are expensive, the plastic tanks are not. It's a lot simpler to stock a few cores and multiple tanks than to stock multiple cores with tanks attached.

All aluminum would be expensive, mainly for the assembly costs. Copper radiators were soldered together, aluminum with plastic tanks can be gasketed and crimped together. Cores don't fail too often, usually the core is partially blocked and a seam or plastic tank fails. A friend of mine with a radiator shop can pull the tanks, rod the radiator, replace the tanks w/new, pressure test and re-install in about two hours. He stocks the more common plastic tanks on a shelf about 2' X 4', to stock the same number of radiators would take a 4' X 8' building. Any tank he doesn't stock is available either same day or overnight from his distributor.

Sometimes it's cheaper to replace a radiator than repair it, check prices for both before you do either.

r.hillenbrand

First of all this has nothing to do with Motorhomes and so the radiator will not cost thousands of dollars.

Second the radiator can be replaced by yourself and thus costing less.

I went to the dealer and they quoted me $700 Just for a single core radiator and then I went to dewits and bought a dual core for the same price and there is no plastic on there.

Since it says you are overseas I would suggest getting a new one shipped there and besides Dewitts is a supporting vendor on the forum.

vette6500

Just checked out Dewitt website, that's what I'm getting if current one ever fails again. Or maybe I will need it for when the C7 comes out

glenB

I was using it as an example jack a$$, to show that even all aluminum radiators have problems and shops don't like repairing them.

If you had read my earlier post you would have seen where I suggested he check for an AC Delco or Modine piece.

But since the dealer is asking $700 for the factory piece I guess you think that's chump change. Compare the two and you'll see that the factory piece is way over priced.

erj3erj3

Mine just went 2006 100K miles

dgrant3830

Had that exact same thing happen to my '99's radiator. All you can do is replace it.

erj3erj3

Just had the Lights Replaced. That Repair couldn't have caused this right???

el es tu

JB Weld or High temp epoxy

or you can buy a used radiator from somewhere like corvette recycling

erj3erj3

Exactly where mine is. mines a Z-02 2006

RagingGrandpa

Ditto here, 2006 Z06, 75k miles.

andy1h2004

did JB WELD or Epoxy work for anyone?