Radiator re-cored?

Mat 71 · 11-13-2008, 07:42 AM

Can a rad from an '83 auto be re-cored or repaired?

It is leaking on the passenger side near the top hose. Not sure if it is the hose (underneath) or the rad itself. In a perfect world it's the hose...but murphy's law tells me otherwise.

Another thing that may have something to do with it is that I have been using my heat as of late (it is Canada after all)

...anyway, it blows warm when driving, but if you sit for awhile the air gets cold...thermostat?? Could this have anything to do with the A/C not working at all in the summer?

Any help here would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mat

Danglerb · 11-13-2008, 09:35 AM

The plastic end tanks are where the hoses attach and they can be replaced "IF" you have a local radiator shop that knows how to do it, bending the aluminum tabs without breaking them is a special skill. 928Intl sells the end tanks and may be able to refer you to a local shop for the work.

The radiator cores have flat plates instead of tubes, and AFAIK can't be repaired.

ROG100 · 11-13-2008, 04:38 PM

I sell the end tanks and seals for $75 each 8>)

Mat 71 · 11-13-2008, 06:17 PM

Danglrb, what is AFAIK??

It does look like the plastic (not knowing until now that they are plastic) is leaking. I will take a closer look tomorrow and confirm this. I will also call my P-Car wrench for a referal for this job.

Rog, I will more than likely order those parts when I confirm this is the problem. Should I do both at the same time?

Thanks,
Mat.

ROG100 · 11-13-2008, 06:21 PM

Hi Matt,
It would be worth changing both and having the rad core flushed.
You need to find a rad shop who know how to compress the end tanks on to the core and bend the tabs back into place.
Roger

mistertate · mistertate's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danglerb

The radiator cores have flat plates instead of tubes, and AFAIK can't be repaired.

FWIW the aluminum tubes can be repaired by welding. I don't know who but one time I f'ed up a 944 radiator and my boss sent it somewhere to get fixed. It was back in like one hour and it worked

Danglerb · 11-13-2008, 09:29 PM

AFAIK (as far as I know) the welding repair is to seal both ends of the leaky plate.

Mat 71 · 11-14-2008, 07:50 AM

Is the 944 rad the same as the 928?

I am thinking used at this point...is that foolish? Not sure that I am going to find anybody here that can do the work? I have to drive by a shop that I know of today, so I will stop in and ask if they can do this...or even know what I am talking about.

Mat.

Danglerb · 11-16-2008, 06:02 PM

If a 944 was cheaper or fit, I am sure we would be all over it, so guessing not.

Used is a roll of the dice, but not a lot of work to swap it out. Flush it out and pressue check before installing.

Problem is the shop that is sure it can do it, but never has, and once the tabs bend and break the core is toast. Good luck.