i had the same problem on my 96 z71 a while back. i loosened the radiator line then used plumbers tape on the threads hand tighten them into their position then get a wrench & fully tighten the fittings.i would recommend using a flare nut wrench. they grip five sides of the nut, rather than just two. Flare nut wrenches help you prevent from rounding the nut off

 

It hasn't happened to you since? Once I had the leak, I opened the hood and it was pretty noticeable that it was from that area. No leaks anywhere else around the radiator, just that one spot. Figured it had to be that fitting because the radiator will pull from the reserve until its empty, then the fluid in the radiator will stay right below that fitting.

 

So I have a little crack in the radiator, right above the line coming from the transmission, at the top of the radiator. Anyone know if you can repair something like that, or is it inevitable, and a new radiator has to be installed? The crack is only about an inch long, and only leaks when the radiator gains pressure.

 

You can't repair a plastic tank radiator. You will have to just replace the radiator.

 

Can't jbweld the shit out of it?

 

When I did my efans swap I got a nice radiator on ebay for very cheap... I think you can get one for $78 and free shipping. I used the seller radiatorclassic they claim to offer lifetime warranty? Idk mines been good for over a year now.

 

Can't jbweld the shit out of it?

You could try it, but it in't really worth the trouble (and it probably wouldnt last and would fail at the worst possible time) since a new radiator would not be that expensive.

 

Thanks. I'm a fan of jb weld for certain situations, but think it is best to replace the radiator and start fresh! I see a project coming up real soon!

 

If this is a truck you plan to have for a long time, spend the extra cash and get an aluminum rad from somewhere like Griffen Performance, you won't regret it, and it'll last a long time. Ran one in my 83 GMC for years and never gave me a problem.

 

What did it run you?

 

If this is a truck you plan to have for a long time, spend the extra cash and get an aluminum rad from somewhere like Griffen Performance, you won't regret it, and it'll last a long time. Ran one in my 83 GMC for years and never gave me a problem.

I went and checked out griffen's site and the newest model they support is 1987... Unless their vehicle selector is bugged out.

 

I would think that like most shops they can custom make a rad, but if not there are other rad companies that may have a rad in stock.

I ran a 3 core rad that fit in the stock cradle, but I ran an external trans cooler. It cooled down a 400+HP small block all summer for 8 years with out a hitch.

 

According to How I Met Your Mother, Canadian summers only last a week, the last week of July. (Joking)

I wouldnt go any more than what came in the truck, I went with a wider radiator and my truck runs kinda cool in the winter. I haven't figured it out quite yet... it runs around 180-185 id rather it was around 198, where it is in the summer going doen the road.

It gets very hot here and ive never had a cooling issue on my cheapo radiator, my efans are set to come on at 210 and they never come on going down the road. The plastic might crack someday but the original radiator from my truck lasted 11 years and it looked good when I pulled it for the bigger radiator and efans swap. You just have to keep your coolant mixed right and change it regularly.