1987 R10 Radiator Leak

[rcotner]

I have a few pin holes just below the fill cap on my radiator and they appear to be on the corner closest to the grill. I attempted a fix with JB weld for radiators and apparently missed a couple spots or didn’t apply it heavy enough as it is still leaking slightly from same area. Trying to seal it again for the second time. If this doesn’t work does anyone have any thoughts on where I could purchase a new radiator (copper style) or would it be best to do aluminum and where to purchase exact replacement to drop in with no issues?

 

[CountKrunk]

A quick google showed a lot of options. Have you looked into any of those yet?

 

[rcotner]

I have looked at Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts, Napa, lmc truck. All seem to have their own varied models. Just trying to stay away from plastic. Not all give a very good description of type of material.

 

[Ricko1966]

Learn to solder. Acid core solder and a propane torch will fix it.

 

[fast 99]

If a radiator shop is close may be a re-core? That used to be the way it was done before disposable radiators came on the scene.

Last one I needed got a plastic/aluminum rad. Even though they aren't original, heat transfer is better.

 

[T-roy K10]

I replaced mine with the largest radiator they offered at LMC truck. Didn’t know I was getting an aluminum/plastic one, but it does cool better than the original. I also had to order the larger rubber bushings and top bracket (only about 20 bucks) because the radiator is thicker than my original.
Some minor mods to the shroud and done, a cooler motor. Just hope it lasts.

 

[chevytech87]

I replaced mine with the largest radiator they offered at LMC truck. Didn’t know I was getting an aluminum/plastic one, but it does cool better than the original. I also had to order the larger rubber bushings and top bracket (only about 20 bucks) because the radiator is thicker than my original.
Some minor mods to the shroud and done, a cooler motor. Just hope it lasts.

Got a part number for that bracket by chance?

 

[Redfish]

I just replaced mine and I was In A Hurry with no time to explore options. I went with a direct replacement from O'Reilly's because I Needed It Right Now! and couldn't be picky.

I know we all hate the idea of plastic...but my 2500HD Duramax came with a plastic and aluminum radiator and it works just fine. The 2500HD Duramax before this one had a plastic and aluminum radiator. All of the new GM trucks come from the factory with plastic and aluminum radiators.

For me there were 3 major criteria.
1. Liquid had to remain INSIDE the radiator.
2. The engine could not overheat.
3. It wasn't a shiny, obvious aftermarket replacement.

While I would have liked a radiator that was all metal and looked exactly like the one I removed (minus the leaks and corrosion), I am not unhappy with what I got. And it was not expensive.

 

[T-roy K10]

Got a part number for that bracket by chance?

Sure do.

32-0988 upper panel radiator mount. $22.95

32-0972 radiator mounting pad $4.95 (need 4)

32-2947 radiator $299.00

Oreilys has a radiator for less that looks to be the same as the one from LMC, but I’m not positive. I would look up the measurements to make sure.

 

[T-roy K10]

I just replaced mine and I was In A Hurry with no time to explore options. I went with a direct replacement from O'Reilly's because I Needed It Right Now! and couldn't be picky.

I know we all hate the idea of plastic...but my 2500HD Duramax came with a plastic and aluminum radiator and it works just fine. The 2500HD Duramax before this one had a plastic and aluminum radiator. All of the new GM trucks come from the factory with plastic and aluminum radiators.

For me there were 3 major criteria.
1. Liquid had to remain INSIDE the radiator.
2. The engine could not overheat.
3. It wasn't a shiny, obvious aftermarket replacement.

While I would have liked a radiator that was all metal and looked exactly like the one I removed (minus the leaks and corrosion), I am not unhappy with what I got. And it was not expensive.

and probably the same one I got from LMC truck for less money.
I also ordered one from O’reillys ($200. I think) but when it came in I measured it and knew it wouldn’t fit in my brackets, so I ordered the one from LMC thinking it would be all metal like the original. Well they looked like the same Part. That’s when I researched it and found I could make it fit with the correct brackets and bushings From LMC.

 

[Finkaire]

i bought a cold-case and it didn’t fit, bought a NOS Modine radiator on EBay and it didn’t fit. Tired of messing around I took it to a radiator shop and had it re-cored. Are you sitting down……. $850. No regrets

 

[Goldie Driver]

i bought a cold-case and it didn’t fit, bought a NOS Modine radiator on EBay and it didn’t fit. Tired of messing around I took it to a radiator shop and had it re-cored. Are you sitting down……. $850. No regrets

Price seems steep, but hopefully they built you a 4 core. I had my metal one re-done as well- OE end tanks on a 4 core as the original 3 row was too far gone. Plastic tanks and aluminum cores work great and are lighter but just not the same in my book.

YMMV

 

[T-roy K10]

I think guys are way too hung-up on how many cores a radiator has. I was too until i compared the original 3 core to the new 2 core. By ”core”, apparently they’re referring to the horizontal rows of tubing. My original had 3 rows of tubing that are only about 1/2“ max each. the 2 rows in the new radiator are probably over 1”. that means the old 3 core is 1.5” thick and the new 2 core is 2 1/4”. That means more surface area (cooler water temp) with 2 than there was with 3. This is obviously the case because the truck runs cooler with the 2 core than it did with the 3 Core.