Radiator for '94 Grand Am GT

[benjamming]

The plastic tank on my radiator is cracked and leaking. Is it possible to reliably fix the plastic or is buying a new one typically the best bet? It's the original radiator. I just replaced the water pump, coolant, and hoses a short while ago. Good thing I ordered an extra gallon of the AMSOIL a/f.

What is "book" time for replacing a radiator on a GM 3.1L V6?

Any advice on where to (not) buy/particular brands, etc.? Are they all pretty much the same? Made in USA, or at least not China, by any chance?

 

[MrCritical]

I wouldn't repair a plastic tank radiator on a 14 year old car myself. You can get a non Asian radiator but be prepared to pay thru the nose for the difference.

 

[alreadygone]

Go back 4 pages and read that thread.

Bob

 

[Merkava_4]

Radiators.com

 

[benjamming]

Quote:

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Go back 4 pages and read that thread.

Bob

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Is this the thread you are talking about? Your page count may not line up with mine b/c there are ~ 99 threads/page in my view. This is not the board default.
Good Place to Buy Radiators?

 

[Chris142]

It's not worth it to change the tank. A new tank costs me $60 and I will charge you an hour labor to change it $85.

85+60=$145 before my markup on the tank plus no warranty. I can sell you a SPI, Visteon or Valeo rad for about $160 and it has a 2yr warranty.

The import rads are about $20 cheaper.

Ok so lets say I install the new tank..........3 weeks later the other tank cracks...Another $145 so now your into the rad $290...............Could have bought 2 new rads.

FWIW most tanks last 100K. I know some go longer and others shorter but I'd say 90% of the cars I get in the shop are at 100K.

 

[benjamming]

I will probably get a new complete radiator from Napa for $136 with lifetime warranty and made in Mexico (same as ReadyRad). It looks just like the ReadyRad (Proliance) that AAP & O'Reilly had for $170 and Carquest for $144 but only 1-year warranty. AutoZone had a Transpro for $158 with lifetime warranty. They also had a SPI with lifetime warranty and a Visteon with a 3-year warranty, $190 each but special order. Any reason I should go with one of these two more expensive brands over the NAPA? They all have the TOC (transmission oil cooler) adapters included.

 

[Merkava_4]

It may be made in Mexico, but the lifetime warranty is the most important attribute. I say go with the NAPA and save your receipt.

 

[alreadygone]

I'll second Merkava 4 on this one.

Bob

 

[Chris142]

Thats a great price! Here Napa is usually 2x my price. My cost on one is over $100.

 

[benjamming]

It comes with new TOC adapters that thread into the new tank & the existing oil lines thread into the new TOC adapters. What kind of tightening force is needed on each? Anything need to be applied to any of the threads?

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd say about 20 foot pounds or less. Just hook a regular length wrench on there and give them a good sinching using your wrist power. They should come to an abrupt stop before they're all the way tight. If you have a flare nut wrench, which tend to be shorter in length, as much as you can muster with that tends to be good.

A couple of wraps with Teflon tape should be good. Pull the tape tight as you're wrapping it.