11-16-2009 | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wilson, AR
Posts: 63
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Leaky Radiator
On Friday, I spent some time trying (yet again) to troubleshoot my rough idle. I should have known better, given that it was the 13th! No luck... I was shut down early because of another issue.
I found that I have a leak in my radiator. This is the 2nd radiator to go bad in the last six months. I remember reading once that the cooling system has a pressure relief function. Can someone enlighten me on how that works and if some flaw in that system is causing my radiators to go bad? Is there something else that is likely to be causing my problems? |
11-16-2009 | #2 | |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,725
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Quote:
Before I found out our thermostat needs bypass holes I had a 160 degree thermostat installed without any bypass. I strongly suspect this led to my radiator failure. |
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11-16-2009 | #3 |
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wilson, AR
Posts: 63
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Re: Leaky Radiator
I believe I'm running a stock thermostat. But, it could have been changed before I bought the car and not recorded...
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11-16-2009 | #4 |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,725
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Also check and, if necessary, replace coolant reservoir cap. This is another point of pressure relief.
As far as I know, these two, improper thermostat and/or reservoir cap, are only things that could hold pressure to a point of rad failure. Pressure relief function you are thinking about may be the bypass feature of the thermostat to relieve coolant pressure at high rev. |
11-16-2009 | #5 |
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wilson, AR
Posts: 63
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Thanks! I'll check both out.
I'm leaning toward the bypass feature of the thermostat b/c my leak is happening at high rev. I'd say 5500 to 6500 RPM. |
11-16-2009 | #6 |
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: lone pine and mammoth lakes
Posts: 1,407
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Re: Leaky Radiator
there a re some therms that are for sale out there that have the wrong type of bypass feature that can cause what is happening to you , napa sells a known good type .or you can get one from randy woods at srp products. his arent cheap but they are of great quality and you can get them in 160-165-170 degrees . i use his thems in all my cars
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11-16-2009 | #7 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Westminster, Maryland
Posts: 3,689
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Here is a picture of the thermostat from my 1993 ZR-1 for comparison:
Jim
__________________
If it isn't fun, you aren't doing it right! 1990 Black ZR-1 - sold 1993 Quasar Blue ZR-1 1994 Competition Yellow ZR-1 1995 Dark Purple ZR-1 Maryland State Coordinator WAZOO Member |
11-16-2009 | #8 |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,725
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Re: Leaky Radiator
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11-16-2009 | #9 | |
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lubbock, TX
Posts: 79
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Quote:
__________________
Jon R. Member #490 1992 ZR-1 Arctic White/Red 2008 Z51 Silver 6 spd (Daily driver) |
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11-16-2009 | #10 | |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,725
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Re: Leaky Radiator
Quote:
Come to think of it, I just replaced all my rotors out of another 94 ZR-1 given to me by another forum member free! NCRS folks, please note they are both 94 ZR-1 factory originals!!! |
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