poketad

Hey everyone, I was driving my iroc (89, 5.7 tpi) and my car started smoking so I pulled over and turned the car off. Coolant was flowing out the radiator and there was a ton of white smoke. IDK what happened to it yet (I'm assuming a big rock) since I haven't taken it out yet but does anyone have any recommendations for new radiators? Also I'm guessing removing and installing it will be like any other car, just drain everything out, flush the system, unbolt it and bolt the new one in? If it isn't could someone also let me know haha. Thanks om advanced everyone!

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

So the radiator was physically damaged? It sounds more like the car overheated and considering the age of these cars it's probably because of a bad relay or fan motor. Find out if the fans are operational and go from there.

poketad

I took the radiator out and the plastic separated from the metal, that's why it was smoking and leaking.

poketad

Honestly no idea why it happened. I'm assuming old age and the weather got to it

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

If you are not planning on a serious increase in horsepower a stock radiator will be your best option. I've heard good things about the O'Rielly's Murray radiators from long time members on these boards. I think they have a lifetime warranty. As you mentioned, do a good flush while you're there.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I replaced mine 6years ago no problems(yet)

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/c...Term=radiators

TylerSteez

iTrader: (3)

only hard part about replacing the radiator is that the hoses may be seized to where they connect to the ports on the radiator. you might as well replace the upper and lower radiator hose as well as the thermostat while you're there.

poketad

Thanks! I put the new one in and it works great, the only problem is there's small sludge like deposits throughout the system, I've flushed the system probably 8 or 9 times and still cant get that stuff out. I'm guessing when the guy before me switched from orange to green coolant they didn't flush out the heater core. I just threw a chemical flush it there to see if that'll help.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Remember too that the genera public does not know that ALL the fluids in your car have a useful life after which they start to turn colors and break down. Wouldn't be surprised if a percentage of the coolant you pulled out was original.

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I think max for radiator fluid is 5 years...

Scan / pic / copy the receipt so they can honor the "lifetime" replacement...
Paper it's printed on usually fades, and some businesses "purge" computer records after 2 years...

I did a survey of replacing radiators, seemed about half of those that upgraded to aluminum had problems... go with the OE replacement from OReiley's with lifetime warranty and be set, most people with those are still running strong...

Rafael