radiator advice

[John U]

Just did a 15psi pressure test and noticed a slow leak. Found the otterstat was leaking a little....then I noticed the radiator leaking at the bottom corner. I've never had a problem with it before but since it's original, I guess it was bound to happen.

I'm looking for advice on which replacement to purchase, and any installation tips.

thanks
John

[stevedmc]

Are you sure it isn't just a leaky hose? If the input hose is leaking the coolant would drip down to the bottom corner.

[John U]

Looks like possible leaky hose on passenger side, but there is a leak at the bottom of the driver's side as well

[DMCMW Dave]

Looks like possible leaky hose on passenger side, but there is a leak at the bottom of the driver's side as well

It's pretty common for the originals to start leaking where the plastic is crimped to the brass.

[John U]

That's where it looks like it's coming from. Is it difficult to replace?

[sean]

That's where it looks like it's coming from. Is it difficult to replace?

Give your self a good Saturday if it is your first time.

[David T]

Typically the radiator will start to fail where the hottest coolant enters, the left side. The original radiator's design lifetime ended years ago. If you still have an original plastic tank-Aluminum core radiator you are running on borrowed time. There are a lot of tiny screws and nuts to be undone in hard to reach places and they usually break off. Dropping the sway bar gives some extra room to work. You do not have to mess with the A/C, you can hang the condenser out of the way. Give yourself plenty of time. You should consider replacing all of the coolant hoses.
David Teitelbaum

[John U]

Thanks, I will definitely be replacing the hoses under the car and the ones on the radiator...

Doesn anyone have any comments on the quality and fit of Hervey's radiator?

[David T]

It works and it fits.
David Teitelbaum

[Chris4099]

If I recall correctly, there are really only two choices when it comes to radiators here in the US. There's the DMCH which is (last I heard) an aluminum 2 core with brass end tanks, while the specialtauto.com is a 3 core all brass unit. Both should have no problems cooling.

My original specialtauto.com one from John started leaking after 4.5 years, but he did replace it under warranty. The ones he sells now appear to be a little different and have reinforcement strapping which should reduce the stress on the end tanks (where mine leaked). I also found the holes for mounting the AC condenser a bit small making installing it very difficult while the condenser was still connected to the AC system. Take a Dremel and cut the top holes into notches. Now the condenser will drop on top of the radiator (much easier to do in such a tight space). As long as the notches are not any bigger then the hole, the washers and nuts will still hold it nice and tight.

[stevedmc]

If I recall correctly, there are really only two choices when it comes to radiators here in the US..

Or you could just find a local radiator shop and have them build one for you. I know of a shop near Baton Rouge that can custom build a Delorean radiator for about $250.

[DMCMW Dave]

If I recall correctly, there are really only two choices when it comes to radiators here in the US. There's the DMCH which is (last I heard) an aluminum 2 core with brass end tanks,
.

The DMCH unit is all aluminum.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I was going to get that welded unit someone was showing before but that thread kind of died. I still have the original radiator and would like to replace it just for peace of mind.

[John U]

The DMCH unit is all aluminum.

Does the unit require any modification, or does it just drop into the original spot? What is the warranty on it?

thanks
John

[jawn101]

Does the unit require any modification, or does it just drop into the original spot? What is the warranty on it?

thanks
John

Can't imagine Houston's parts would require any modification to fit unless your setup is non-stock up front... I don't see any warranty info on the Houston part but Hervey's has a lifetime warranty.

[DMC5180]

One small Advantage of the Hervey radiator vs DMCH one. Hervey added an air-bleed screw on top of the RH tank. This is (not required) but is a desirable feature to have since it is at the top of the tank versus the bleed nipple on the aft side NEAR the top. This is a simple feature that DMCH should have done on their replacement radiators. Heck even a top mounted Drain-Cock would be great. Reach up crack it loose let air out then close it and your done no tools required. HINT HINT James. :biggrin:

The Downside of Hervey Radiator (IMO) its a (3-row) I have a 3 row brass unit (not Hervey's) But a well know supplier to the community years ago. The extra thickness required me to do some clearance work on my Fan shroud because it was contacting the Crumple tube ends. I also believe the 2-row unit is more efficient than the 3-row. The Delorean doesn't really need the extra capacity of the third row. A misconception of the 80's was that overheating was due to poor radiator efficiency when in reality overheating at Stoplights and slow traffic were usually cooling fan system related or improper Bleeding of the cooling system.