Radiator Problems
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:31 pm
This is mostly just info, not really asking any questions here.
So last winter, my radiator went out, it was an aftermarket aluminum one, and the heater core went bad too. I replaced just the radiator (not knowing the core was bad)(at the time I didn't know the constantly fogged windows was a sign of that), with a clamp-in one from Summit. I welded the tabs in on the lower portion of the valence that sticks back so far, and then built a bracket for the top. It sits way higher than a stock one would, but it still clears everything.
I put in a new heater core on it, and three days later, the radiator started leaking again. I put off getting a new one because it didn't leak TOO badly, and then the core blew out on me (that time it absolutely filled the cab with steam, it was awful).
New core and everything (AFTER testing it for exhaust gas), qnd it was fine for months. Seemed to drip a little early this winter, but it stopped. Then this week I haven't had hardly any heat from jt, and I looked and the overflow tank was empty. Upon closer inspection, one of the tubes on THIS radiator is leaking.
I called and have another warranty radiator on the way, they said in 2-3 days I should be expecting it. They also said I have to go straight to Griffin if I have any warranty issues with this one.
I have no clue what the issue is. No exhaust in the antifreeze, a 13-lb radiator cap, zero overheating problems (even in 100 degrees, 95% humidity, 60-45-0 at a stoplight), yet it seems to die in the winter. These are $200 racing radiators, and I really don't want to drop $600+ on a new one from BJ's or Z+M. If/when this one does go out again though, I have no idea where I'm going to go. Maybe Griffin will let me keep bugging them about it, if/when the time comes.
So last winter, my radiator went out, it was an aftermarket aluminum one, and the heater core went bad too. I replaced just the radiator (not knowing the core was bad)(at the time I didn't know the constantly fogged windows was a sign of that), with a clamp-in one from Summit. I welded the tabs in on the lower portion of the valence that sticks back so far, and then built a bracket for the top. It sits way higher than a stock one would, but it still clears everything.
I put in a new heater core on it, and three days later, the radiator started leaking again. I put off getting a new one because it didn't leak TOO badly, and then the core blew out on me (that time it absolutely filled the cab with steam, it was awful).
New core and everything (AFTER testing it for exhaust gas), qnd it was fine for months. Seemed to drip a little early this winter, but it stopped. Then this week I haven't had hardly any heat from jt, and I looked and the overflow tank was empty. Upon closer inspection, one of the tubes on THIS radiator is leaking.
I called and have another warranty radiator on the way, they said in 2-3 days I should be expecting it. They also said I have to go straight to Griffin if I have any warranty issues with this one.
I have no clue what the issue is. No exhaust in the antifreeze, a 13-lb radiator cap, zero overheating problems (even in 100 degrees, 95% humidity, 60-45-0 at a stoplight), yet it seems to die in the winter. These are $200 racing radiators, and I really don't want to drop $600+ on a new one from BJ's or Z+M. If/when this one does go out again though, I have no idea where I'm going to go. Maybe Griffin will let me keep bugging them about it, if/when the time comes.