new radiator?

[87gnstock]

I was putting more coolant in because when i blocked the throttle body coolant lines i lost some. When i put more in i notieced a "gunk" build up on the inside of the radiator kind of like a brown/manilla colored substance. Is it time for a new radiator? There is no rusting on the outside of it and it only has 31k on the car what should i do? Coolant flush? Or whole new radiator since it is 15+ years?

 

[Wes]

flush it

 

[salvageV6]

Flush it good and drive it until you have a problem. Mine always leak before they gum up.

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by 87gnstock
..........i notieced a "gunk" build up on the inside of the radiator kind of like a brown/manilla colored substance. Is it time for a new radiator? There is no rusting on the outside of it and it only has 31k on the car what should i do? Coolant flush? Or whole new radiator since it is 15+ years?

A few years ago, I serviced an '86 GN with only 30k miles. Told him he needed to replace the radiator but he said at "only" 30k miles did not think it was bad enough. This was before the temps got to 90-100 degrees, and I had also installed a water temp gauge.

The car then ran 200+ degrees and he said change it. This original radiator was then flow tested and only showed 50% of the tubes not plugged.

I am sorry, but if you think flushing is going to remove 15 years of hard, encrusted silicone build-up, you are wrong. The most recent original radiators I have tested this year, are now only flowing 40% or less.

What you SHOULD do is replace the radiator or core.

 

[TurboBob]

Nick,

Do you sell the cores? I'd like to replace my rad this summer but don't want the down-time.

Or do you sell on an exchange basis?

Bob

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by TurboBob
Nick,

Do you sell the cores? I'd like to replace my rad this summer but don't want the down-time.

Or do you sell on an exchange basis? Bob

I do both. Right now am out of exchange units as guys have been slow getting them back. Guess a $100 core charge would speed up the program?

 

[TurboBob]

I'd prefer to get the radiator from you, I don't know any radiator guys around here and want some good craftsmanship.

As soon as you get a good set of tanks, drop me a line.

Can you get the tanks/coolers new?

Lotsa $ I'm sure.

Thanks

Bob

 

[earlbrown]

nick, what is the price in just the core. (and do you have them in stock?



earl

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by earlbrown
nick, what is the price in just the core. (and do you have them in stock? earl

The 3 row, high effiency core is always in stock with next day shipping. Price is $180 plus $20 shipping.

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by TurboBob
I'd prefer to get the radiator from you, I don't know any radiator guys around here and want some good craftsmanship.

As soon as you get a good set of tanks, drop me a line.

Can you get the tanks/coolers new?

Lotsa $ I'm sure. Bob

Good craftsmanship is what we sell! In over 5 years I have shipped radiators around the country, never had one leak or any problem outside the occasional shipping damage.

New tanks/coolers are only available from GM as a complete radiator [not HE!], and cost is way more than exchange.

Will be in contact Bob.