I just replaced my radiator because of a leaking tank. I was wondering if this was a common problem with our cars because this is not the first time I had to do it. The radiator shop told me it was because I had exhaust gas leaking into the system. Is this true and if so how do I fix it? Or is it B.S.?

 

It may be, as I've sort of gotten used to it over the years.

At first, several years back, I tried taking it out & letting a shop fix it. But after doing that a couple of times & ended up both times pulling it out again 2-3 times after they claimed it was "fixed", I decided that it was cheaper in the long run to just replace the radiator.

Did it in my daughters car a couple of years ago, & am doing it in mine this week!

 

It is fairly common and it has nothing to do with anything other than the tank fatigues from all the heat/cool cycles. Generally they develop a crack a few inches down from the rad cap. AC-Delco sells the tanks separately for about $30 or so. They average around 10 yrs so you will be OK for a while.

 

I've replaced the radiator in all four of my past 3rdgens because the plastic tanks always leak eventually. Back when I was single and could afford such things, I replaced the radiator in my '83 Z with an all aluminum one and never had another problem with it.

 

I just wanted to make sure there was not anything else wrong to cause this. I replaced the whole radiator with one that has a lifetime warranty just in case it happens again.

 

That is what I am doing with the Oreillys radiator I just got. I also checked my maint record & the old one had been in for about 9 years.

 

Smart move!