Leaky Rad, What am I looking at here??

Discussion in 'V-8 Buick Powered Regals' started by online170, Sep 2, 2011.

  1. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    Trying to go racing tomorrow and just fixing up a few things.

    One of the problems is a rad that "boils over" all the time. I thought this was because it had no overflow bottle. But i popped the hood and there it was! All hooked up. But the rad was still leaking.

    Here is the culprit! What exactly am I looking at here? Why did this rad decide to have a giant hole half way up the column? Whats the best way to block it?

    The current hose has a pin hole in it and its leaking very nicely.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Perhaps the passenger side tank has terminated itself from the inside out due to corrosion. If you do not care about the looks get a new aluminum radiator and install new hoses throughout.
     
  3. bammax

    bammax Well-Known Member

    That's for a heater hose connection on some models.
     
  4. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    I have an aluminum rad, but dont wanna install it tonight.

    I have only had the car for a few days. I was just curious what the purpose of this outlet is. The rad looks in good shape otherwise, and the rubber hose end the previous owner tried to use isnt working.

    Im just not sure what the purpose of this outlet is?? Heater core maybe?
     
  5. SteeveeDee

    SteeveeDee Orange Acres

    This appears to be a heater hose connection for some Cadillacs, IIRC. If that is all that is wrong with the radiator, you can undoubtedly get another cap from the parts store to terminate that fitting.
     
  6. lemmy-67

    lemmy-67 Platinum Level Contributor

    Yes, that's for a return hose from the heater core. The radiator on my 1980 Chevy van has one there, too.

    Those rubber caps are no good...I had them on my 1974 C20 pickup a few years back. The previous owner put them on the radiator and on the intake manifold...they ALWAYS leaked. Even when I replaced them with new ones, after a couple of months they would start pissing...especially from the one on the manifold.
     
  7. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Most aftermarket radiators have extra ports on them so one part number can fit a number of different cars and trucks. Cuts down on inventory.

    Run to Pep Boys or Advance auto and get a new cap for now. Motormite/ Help sells them
     
  8. SteeveeDee

    SteeveeDee Orange Acres

    If those caps are that cheap, just use a piece of heater hose with a metal plug in it.
     
  9. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    Just gonna replace it with a rubber cap for now, and get the thing welded.

    I think the rad is out a large cadillac, because the rad support looks very custom made.
     
  10. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    Well that was frustrating.

    I went to Carquest, Napa, Caps, MaxAuto, and finally Surgenor Truck center, as well as talked to a mechanic at the surgener bays. I also tried Canadian Tire.

    The ONLY person that recognized the plug was the mechanic at surgenor, and he said he hasnt seen those in years.

    Aparently this part is impossible to find. Who knew....


    I know a company who deals with rubber and gasket like items all the time, and they could just make me one but they arent open today. Im taking my rad out tonight and having it welded shut on Tuesday.
     
  11. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Wierd, every auto parts store around has those plugs on the shelf. No one up there carries the Help line of products?
     
  12. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    Every store i listed has the help section. But none of the sections had it.
     

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