Radiator?

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Radiator?

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Radiator? - 2/12/2008 6:34:37 PM

z28logan

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Hey all, I've got a 1996 Z28, and today the little plastic tank right under the radiator cap got a small crack, you know what that means, water goes EVERYWHERE. So I at first sh*t myself, then I put a little bit of duct tape on it, and thus fixed the leak. So how drivable is it? Should I not drive it at all? Drive it a little? I'm going to get it fixed most likely this weekend or early next week.

Another problem. Whenever I'm idling, my engine gets super hot. Not up into the red area, but somewhere in between 1/2 and 3/4. This isn't a good thing obviously. Here's the catch though, when I start moving again, the temp goes back down in about 20 seconds to normal temp.

I'm thinking it could be the thermostat, as that's what basically tells the fan to turn on, right?

Post #: 1

RE: Radiator? - 2/13/2008 11:09:54 AM

Camaro 69

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Your engine is getting hot at idle because the radiator pissed a lot of coolant out through the crack in the plastic side tank and now your level is way low. When you start driving and are pushing air through the radiator, evidently you're lucky enough to keep the engine cool. You need a new radiator pronto. try www.rockauto.com

(in reply to z28logan)

Post #: 2

RE: Radiator? - 2/13/2008 11:16:38 AM

importmd

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From: Wisconsin
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i wouldnt drive it. as for your over heating, do your fans ever come on? i would flush the radiator/ engine. sounds like you have a flow problem at low rpms

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(in reply to z28logan)

Post #: 3

RE: Radiator? - 2/13/2008 3:28:53 PM

z28logan

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Thanks guys. After I had fixed the leak (though temporarily), I put water into the coolant resevoir, and there's been no leaking since. Also, is flushing the radiator/enging hard? I'm not well versed in maintainance to be completely honest, but if I can do it, then I'll do it myself. I read somewhere that changing the coolant every two years? I haven't changed it since I got it, and I doubt its been changed before that. Also I'm about 1000 miles overdue for an oil change, which i need to do asap.

Question 2. I doubt it, but switching out the radiator doable by myself?

Thanks for the help, everyone.

(in reply to importmd)

Post #: 4

RE: Radiator? - 2/13/2008 4:51:05 PM

importmd

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Joined: 2/1/2008
From: Wisconsin
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Flushing is easy, you can go to the parts store and buy a "T" that goes inline with your heater line. It has a hose fitting, so you have to have a garden hose, and pull off the lower radiator hose to let the water out. its a dirty job, or for $60 bucks have a shop do it. pull the radiator out is easy. 4 bolts hold the plastic panel that goes across the radiator, disconnect the hoses, low coolant sensor, and trans lines if you have an auto.

_____________________________

08 HD 1200N
01 Tahoe LT
95 Z28 T56
78 CJ 5 Trail Rig

http://www.msnusers.com/newcamaro/shoebox.msnw

(in reply to z28logan)

Post #: 5

RE: Radiator? - 2/13/2008 8:22:21 PM

z28logan

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Well here's the update:
That crack is pretty bad, so I wont be driving it. I'm going to have it towed to the local shop (which is a good shop, and all they really do is F-body's and vettes). And they'll most likely replace the radiator, and while I'm at it, I'm going to put in the low temp thermostat.

(in reply to importmd)

Post #: 6