Pressure tested the radiator and two leaks from front and rear fins...SOLUTION?

[CEE1NG_RED]

Any way to fix this without buying a new radiator? Pressurized the radiator to 16#s and the leaks are coming from two locations of the fins, front and rear. Any solutions? JB WELD?? Seems that the previous owner had also fixed some fins using I dont know what solution. I attached a pic of it, where it has some kind of square stamped glue substance on the fin area.

Also, what's the difference with 1, 2, 3, 4 core radiators and how can you tell how many cores you have on the truck? If solution does not work, what radiators out there are still made of aluminum or metal rather than plastic and how many cores? Thanks again...

[doubleb's69]

Anything you do will probably fail not to far down the road, just my opinion. If your take you cap off you can count the rows of tubes thats how I have always determined how big it was. The 4 core in my 69 GMC had a leak in it and I bought a new all metal 4 core from O'Reilly's for $170. It dropped right in and has worked great for me. Otherwise check Craigslist for one.

[GRX]

Media blast the area, clean well, apply flux, and solder.

[airdale94]

Just for clarification it's the tubes that are actually leaking. Like GRX said you can clean and solder. You can push (break away) the fins from the tubes to gain better access. Then solder with a torch, propane will do. That's what the old radiator shops did.

It does look like that epoxy method worked also.

[CEE1NG_RED]

Originally Posted by airdale94

Just for clarification it's the tubes that are actually leaking. Like GRX said you can clean and solder. You can push (break away) the fins from the tubes to gain better access. Then solder with a torch, propane will do. That's what the old radiator shops did.

It does look like that epoxy method worked also.

You think the epoxy method is JBweld or the Permatex radiator puddy?

And what's the part # of that radiator for $170? Also do you think my 78 motor has a 67 radiator or a '78???
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[So.Cal.Super]

You want a Radiator that's going to fit your truck, so its by year of vehicle.

If you open the cap you can count the cores.

[GASoline71]

That radiator looks like it's seen better days anyway.

If it were me... I would have the core rodded out and leaks fixed at a shop... or buy a whole new unit.

I don't like being stranded.

Gary

[CEE1NG_RED]

Originally Posted by So.Cal.Super

You want a Radiator that's going to fit your truck, so its by year of vehicle.

If you open the cap you can count the cores.

Will a '78 350 motor and hose and lines fit with a '67 radiator?????
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[CEE1NG_RED]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

That radiator looks like it's seen better days anyway.

If it were me... I would have the core rodded out and leaks fixed at a shop... or buy a whole new unit.

I don't like being stranded.

Gary

Know of a good brand 3 core radiator that's all metal? If so LMK. ;(
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[cdowns]

been my experience that when u sstart patchin old radiators the next leak is right around the corner so now i just get a replacement

[airdale94]

You might pm 67cst and see if he still has access to these.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=250450

[Sequoyah]

This is a place that I have used for two radiators. They dip them, fix any leaks and paint them. It's cheaper than buying new and you're guaranteed a perfect fit. I figure there's at least one shop like this near everyone on this site....

http://www.independentradiator.com/index.php

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by CEE1NG_RED

Will a '78 350 motor and hose and lines fit with a '67 radiator?????
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You can "make" it fit... but if it was me... I'd save up the cash for the correct radiator and hoses.

Gary

[CEE1NG_RED]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

You can "make" it fit... but if it was me... I'd save up the cash for the correct radiator and hoses.

Gary

I don't think a '78 radiator will mount correctly with a '67 radiator housing. I am trying to see if a '69 c10 with a 350 motor and TH350 trans have the same set up as far as hose connections and trans. cooling lines are concerned. If so, I'd probably get a '69 radiator 3 core and it'll mount right in with the trans cooling lines and 350 radiator uppper/lower hoses.

[volksworld]

just for the record...the square patches are not repairs...they are the petrified remains of rubber pads that went between the radiator and an aftermarket tranny cooler. you can still see the fin pattern in second photo .
if the radiator is solid and the leak is a puncture or rubbed thru by the cooler mounting a solder repair will be fine. on the other hand if the 40 year old core is corroded and paper thin you'll be fighting a losing battle.
at my shop i just sent repairs to my local radiator shop (getting hard to find after 20 years of aluminum &plastic crap being the norm)but did my own repairs at the track. if you can solder a wire or plumbing pipe you can fix a rad.
as always,new is always better if money is no object!

[oneperfectrun]

The radiator in the pics looks like it has had an electric fan mounted to it at one time. The little square foam pads look like the pads for the nylon ties used for mounting. The ties have probably rubbed thru the core caused the leaks.
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