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Radiator plug help

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Old Jun 7, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #1  
North's Avatar
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28
Engine: 400 chevy small block
Transmission: 5spd
Radiator plug help

hey guys!

just got a new motor in my car! Everything is great, but the mechanic told me he was concerned with a plug on my radiator that looked worn and needed replacement before it goes and I blow up a new motor.

It is a rubber female plug about 1" wide and 1.5" long that is clamped onto an outlet on the radiator about 4 inches underneath the radiator cap facing the engine. I believe its an after market aluminum radiator, but not sure what brand it is if it isn't stock.
I think the outlet is for other car applications on different vehicles but doesn't need to be hooked up on my car.

I have looked all over the web and these forums for a similar situation or where I can buy something like this.

I'll try to post pics in a few days of this.

Any help would be appreciated!
thanks
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 05:29 PM
  #2  
BretD 88GTA's Avatar
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From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Re: Radiator plug help

Originally Posted by North
It is a rubber female plug about 1" wide and 1.5" long that is clamped onto an outlet on the radiator about 4 inches underneath the radiator cap facing the engine. I believe its an after market aluminum radiator, but not sure what brand it is if it isn't stock.
The radiator you have sounds like the Northern Pro radiator. I have one in my car.

That outlet is for the heater hose. Rather than port the hose off the water pump, GM decided on the 3rd gen. cars to add an outlet to the radiator.

I'm not aware of any type of after market plug to cap it off. My radiator shipped with the same rubber cap & clamp yours has.
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 12:26 AM
  #3  
North's Avatar
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28
Engine: 400 chevy small block
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Radiator plug help

Originally Posted by BretD 88GTA
The radiator you have sounds like the Northern Pro radiator. I have one in my car.

That outlet is for the heater hose. Rather than port the hose off the water pump, GM decided on the 3rd gen. cars to add an outlet to the radiator.

I'm not aware of any type of after market plug to cap it off. My radiator shipped with the same rubber cap & clamp yours has.
The guy I bought the car from a year a ago previously disconnected the heater core because it leaked. I plan on replacing it soon this summer.

My question is by Heater Hose do you mean it is supposed to connect to the hose at the firewall to the heater core?

If so it will simply solve my problem when I do put a new core in, other wise I may have to make a cap somehow...
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 10:31 PM
  #4  
North's Avatar
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28
Engine: 400 chevy small block
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Radiator plug help

this is a picture of it...
Radiator plug help-06-14-08_1351.jpg
anyone have any guess where i can get it at/
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Old Jun 19, 2008 | 12:06 AM
  #5  
donaldw's Avatar
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From: fort worth tx
Car: 1988 pontiac trans am
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: factory
Re: Radiator plug help

go to the auto parts store and get a package of bypass caps it has all the sizes u need..it like four bucks...they are rubber caps....oreilly auto parts has them
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Old Jul 4, 2008 | 06:09 PM
  #6  
jimdutro's Avatar
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From: Newport Beach, Ca.
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 383 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: BW 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Radiator plug help

If all else fails, maybe contact the mfg. of the radiator and order a new plug?
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