I have just purchased an exchange rad for my 86 305 sport coupe. the rad that i have got has two extra coolant outlets between the trans cooler connections. one has been plugged with a rubber plug and hose clamp, the other that has a round hole but a more square outer hasn't. I noticed that this outlet is part of the radiator coolant tank (cap side) so will need to be plugged to prevent leakage.

I have two questions,

firstly, what were these redundant take offs for?

second, can i (as i am sure i can) just plug this other one?

What would be the best way to plug it? could i just use a cap and hose clamp (despite it being a slightly odd shape) or would i be better tapping it and puting a bolt in it with a rubber washer on it.

 

here is a picture of the outlet. it is the next one down from the top hose. (excluding tranny lines)

 

looks like it might be a spot for a low coolent sensor or another temp sensor. my radiator has a sensor already in the spot (it might not be the same spot, but it does have an extra sensor in it on the side tank) it might be that or who knows. just plug it if u can..

 

Hi Phil.
Breathment is right. It is a provision for a low coolant level sensor. My rad has one but has the redundant sensor in it. I saw an LO3 motor recently that had the same thing (uk89camaro's). I would nip it down to a local fasteners place and get a suitable plug for it. Assuming they are open of course!

Good luck.
Andy.

PS Don't you hate it when a simple part replacement results in more jobs to do when the parts don't quite match exactly!

 

Cheers Andy,

Yup, i know that one well, evrything looked set for a twenty minuet job, but a clamp put on in the wrong position ment that it took an hour.

All looked to be set for an easy reassembly, untill i noticed this. looking at it i think it can be capped by shaving the excess plastic off so that its round (carefully, of course) then pushing a rubber cap over it and clamping it in place.

 

yeah i would plug it the best you can..

 

Rad shop that i bought the rad from apologised, and are plastic welding the outlet right now.

Top marks, Kempston Rads.

 

*** job Phil!

Happy New Year.

Andy.

 

Most replacement radiators come with the low-coolant-level sensor already installed in that hole.... I think you got hosed a little bit.

But fortunately they're making it right for you.

 

Rad was a recon, so sensor wasnt included.

Outlet was filled and the rad deliverd, new years eve, fitted, sworn at trans cooler, lines went on, bottom one fractured, more sewaring, mad rush to see if anyone had one (no one did) eventualy bought an after market cooler, used flexi hose, cut off damaged area, bought pipe flaring tool, flared end, connected to flexi hose, flexi hose went into rad ok, filled with coolant and trans fluid, almost cheered when it all worked and nothing leaked.

(well, the cooler line has dropped just a couple of drops, but it will last until a new one arives in a week or so, the car is due in for a service middle of the month, so they can replace the line then)

finished job at 4:20pm, showerd changed, went to Sainsburys for lots of peanuts, ate, went to new years party, started drinking, found out that mates niece (who a week before was getting v. friendly) was now just teasing, (why do things like this only come out when she is on top of you with her tounge down your throat???) as she has b/friend, drink excessively and pass out at 4am, without a break all day (or propper meal)!

Happy freakin' new year!

 

Here was I thinking you were a typical Camaro owner. i.e. sensible, married, responsibilities, no speeding fines, stayed in at nights, drank cola and have kids!

Now you tell me you shop at Sainsburys! Just blown all my illusions out of the window. I must be in the wrong forum.

I was in bed by 10:30! Up at 2 am though, trying to feed a 6 week old kiddie, but not doing so well!!

Andy.

PS Found about 4 gallons of water sloshing about in my RS Camaro this morning (happy new year), due to a combo of poor hatch seals and loads and loads and loads of rain! Interior is now stripped out completely.

 

In fact the leak got that bad this cat got caught up in it!

Only joking!

 

Damn, thats not good! thats more water than ideal, where is it coming from?

Anyone ever had any experience with Halfords 5 year antifreeze? working on the assumption that with both hoses disconnected there will be almost no coolant left, i didn't bother flushing the system. i know you must flush if your using dex cool, but this is just standard antifreeze (except its red)

Manufacturers always recomend flushing, but i've been assured that it will mix OK with other types in 99.9% of cases.

 

Why not flush Phil? You would be surprised at the amount of coolant left in the block with both hoses disconnected. Crack open the block drain plug and you will see! The Halfords anti freeze is okay. But 5 years? I check it with a hydrometer every summer. Change if necessary. It is quite cheap. Don't forget it is a corossion inhibitor too. I change it every 2 years like it or not.

Pull top hose and thermostat housing. Remove bottom hose from rad and point down. Put heater controls to on. Stuff hosepipe in top hose and flush it all out. I then remove block plug again to get as much water out as possible. Then you can add what you want.
Go on-you know it makes sense.
You can then use the frozen water on your drive/road to have a private skating rink when it freezes overnight!

Andy.

 

why not flush?

coz its cold, and i'm a soft little kid. it will probably get done in summer, i don't like skimping on maintainance.