Ok guys,I have been getting my Dad's old 78 Magnum back on the road. The problem is, the radiator is really clogged. I've pulled it and tried several "flushes" with very little effect. There are no radiator shops in the area, so do any of you have any reliable "home brewed" ideas?

I have talked to a shop in Louisville that can fix me up, but it will be about 3 weeks before they can fit me in.

 

I drain my radiator several times a day.

 

? Huh?


It may just be time to bite the bullet and start looking at aftermarket replacements.

 

if it is that plugged then have it re-cored or rodded out. TJ's radiator repairs
OEM quality radiators are not that expensive. I'm installing one today in my jeep, cost me $150.

 

That's what I was going to say. Depending on the vehicle you can get an OEM for a fair price. Got one for a 68 impala for $119 bucks awhile back.
Granted, it was aluminum and plastic but it looked the same and worked great.

Aaaa.. I finally got it. Like after a 12 pack of Bud.

 

Plastic and aluminum may be the way out. Kinda wanted to give the original a try. Did find 1 OEM NOS for $799. Not going there....

So far, the car has been to 3 different shows. You wouldn't believe how many people ask what it is and really don't act like they believe me when i tell them it is a Dodge.

Been a fun project.

 

Try flushing it with a mixture of water and Draino.

 

You've got/had a combination of copper, brass, cast iron, possibly aluminum and who knows what was in the water ran thru it over how many years??

May be better off springing for a new one...

 

I have the radiator from an old Datsun in my Ford Ranger beach truck. Used electrical ties to mount it.

 

Some people have to have visual/tactile feedback to understand a problem.

I'm impressed you held out through all 12......

 

Yeah, if it has metal end tanks you can have them removed and the cores rodded out. If plastic end tanks just spring for a new radiator......most can be had for relatively cheap nowadays.

 

Buy a new one is your best bet, otherwise lay it flat on the ground. Buy a test cap from your local home center (a rubber cap with a hose clamp on it), and fill the radiator with CLR, or Vinegar, or if you like dealing with danger and possibly burning yourself, or losing your eyesight.... muriatic acid from the local pool supply. Guaranteed to cause some major harm to your body parts, or blindness if done right

 

Thanks for the ideas. I'm taking it in to be dipped and rodded if possible. If not, I have a replacement lined up.

 

Let us know how much it costs for future reference.

That was back when my radiator and hose was still new.

 

The shop did a test dip on the old radiator. It looked good for a minute or two. After that, it kinda looked like a sprinkler.

I have a new OEM style metal tank double core on the way. Should come out to about $300 after having to modify it for the Vacuum sensor switch port.

The REAL OEM part number is listed in several books, but no supplier has them. All in all, still not to much invested in bringing the old gal back to life.