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radiator 200 1991

This may sound dumb, but I am wondering how to tell if I ned to replace my radiator in my brick? is there a test? as far as I know the radiator is OEM, the car has over 200K, thanks!








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    radiator 200 1991

    I personally would be shopping now for a replacement, sales, discounts etc. Borrowed time on a 22yr old radiator.
    --
    Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.








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      radiator 200 1991

      Especially if you have an automatic transmission...if the tranny cooler fails, you loose the transmission about every time.








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        radiator 200 1991

        If you change the radiator do the thermostat too, and perhaps the hoses. I just changed out the original British-made Blackstone radiator in my 1990 240. It had plastic tanks but was still leak-free after 23 years. A bit plugged up inside though. I bought a Nissens aluminum radiator with plastic tanks, and it was a quick, easy job. The temp gauge now gets up to 9 o'clock quickly and stays there even on a hot day with the AC on in heavy traffic or on long hills.








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          radiator 200 1991

          Agreed, definitely change the hoses. If they are original, then it is only a matter of time before they go...

          Think about doing the heater hoses too. If any the hoses blow it will leave you stranded unless you have a spare with you.

          --
          95 855 GLT Sportwagon 218k, 90 244 DL 300k - after 11 years has a new home








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          radiator 200 1991

          Throw this into the pot. My '90 245 OEM Blackstone radiator lasted 12 years and 348K miles. Like all the rest, the plastic neck broke and that was the end of that. Prior to the neck breaking, it had not been leaking in the least bit.

          I also regularly flushed the system every 2-3 years.

          My local pick n'pull charges $49 ($39/10 core) for a used radiator, which is really not worth it in my book. You can get a new Chinese made one for $80 these days, and supposedly they'll last 3-4, 5-6 years. Research on the web says they are halfway decent. Nissens they are not, but...








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    radiator 200 1991

    Check the upper and lower hose connection necks for cracks in the body of the rad (radial and circular), if the running temp is ok and no visual sign of fatigue, then you sound good to go.

    A simple system flush with citric acid bath will do wonders for looseneing up scale and crud in both the block and the rad, did it on my MB for years and always got a ton og crap ouit of the system, ran 240K on the original Bher rad.








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      radiator 200 1991

      What kind of citric acid and where did you buy it?

      Orange would smell best but I am sure white vinegar, that is used for coffee pots, works cause it stinks!

      Since drinking moon shine from radiators is not good. I know there must be some safer stuff and still not drinkable. (:). A gallon and some caps or plugs sounds like a good plan to me. Heck, just leave the hoses standing up is even easier. I just to got think like my uncles did, in between runs that is! (:)

      This citric idea sounds better than trying any of those commerical, hazards materials type, Prestone products! They're have words I cannot pronounce!

      Those boys play Rocks and Sissors with a fourth element. Industrial Acid, it wins every time!
      That's using East and West coast rules together. I got the last part that off the NCIS Los Angeles T.V. show.

      To the original poster:
      As far as checking a radiator, I only know of a flow test at a radiator shop and you have to trust them not to have another agenda of selling radiators. I try to watch the flow test, as I take it to them in my hands.

      As long as it works and the fins are not rotting away from salt spray, its ok.
      I worried about plastic radiators and got rid of the two of mine. I have a spare metal one, in the wings!

      If you have an aluminum and plastic cap radiator, you will want to lose it like a bad habit.
      You never know when the hose necks will crack. When you will see leaky crimps on the end caps, start writing a check!

      Phil







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