New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Howdy everyone. I ordered some parts for Fiddler. Tomorrow she'll have new shocks (Belltek Street Performers) and new springs. I am getting everything together for a radiator replacement next week and had a few questions.

I also ordered a aluminum radiator off of ebay. I was wondering what else everyone recommends replacing while the radiator is out. Thermostat? Belts? Shroud? etc I have never replaced a radiator so I didn't know if there were anythings that would be easily replaced while i'm in there.

Is there any advantage for using silicon radiator hoses other than they look pretty?

I probably shouldn't assume that the stock shroud will work with the new radiator but the new radiator is a direct fit replacement and I am using the old brackets.

Thanks for any and all help/advice

J:chevy:

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

I agree with changing out the belts, hoses, thermostat and possibly the pump? A good flush of the block to get the internals as clean as possible is a good idea while you are at it. I don't know about silicone hoses.....the rubber ones last a long time in everything I own. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water and you should be good to go. One thing about the aluminum radiators they flow a lot better and if you don't keep the cap on you'll have a big gush of coolant spewing out the filler neck once the stat opens. Ask me how I know:)

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Thermostat, hoses, maybe even the water pump since it's accessible, as already mentioned.

When I went with an aluminum radiator, I added a "sacrificial anode" (google it). Hot coolant loves to eat at aluminum, especially where dissimilar metals meet. Adding an aluminum radiator obviously puts your coolant in much more contact with something to corrode.
You can get anodes that hang inside from the radiator cap, or some that replace an unused port or drain plug. The anode is made of zinc or something and it's meant to attract the corrosion away from the aluminum. They have to be replaced every so often, but if it means I have to replace a radiator less, easy choice.
Certainly up to you, but I've got them in the cars I care about.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

I used an aluminum Griffin radiator in my last truck. Leaked after 8 months.

I've put a Summit reproduction "factory-correct" radiator in my current K10. One year in, zero issues and it looks original. Was way cheaper than the Griffin too!

How's your heater core? As long as you've got the cooling system apart, if you're uncertain on that thing, I'd replace it. They seem to fail with regularity.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

I did the same as Senior suggested.....super cheap insurance! My 5th wheel alum hot water tank has an anode as part of the drain plug and it is toast after 5 years. The anode I bought was in place of the petcock.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Whatever you do just make sure the shroud is installed, seals well, and the fan is about halfway into the shroud. Makes a HUGE difference in low speed cooling.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

I was planning on reusing the stock shroud or would it be in my best interest to replace it.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Thanks for the tip! That sounds like a wise thing to do!

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Hmmmm....I replaced a heater core about 10 years ago...but am not sure if that was my jeep or my chevy :lol:

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Before you go with the new radiator you might check around and see if you have a good radiator shop around and get yours recored. I had mine done and had the 2 core replaced to a 3 core for $300... It was a odl school guy and he did a great job even though he felt bad for getting so much money. I didnt hesitate at all for it

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...del/c10-pickup

Is this the rad from Summit you installed? My truck is a 35/350 with factory A/C and a 3 core rad. Does your truck have A/C ?

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

How many miles on the engine? If you're going to do the water pump, you're almost to the timing chain. This would be a good time to change it if you have a lot of miles on it.

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

Its tempting....but where do I draw the line...hmmmmm

Re: New radiator time...what else would you recommend?
 

My battery tray was rusted through and in bad shape. If your battery tray needs replaced, now is the time to do it when the radiator is out. Some of the bolts are not accessible with the radiator in. Another good thing to do at the same time is add a coolant overflow tank.