Radiator issues

03 CrazyTaxi · 06-13-2008, 11:56 PM

Ok, so I'm on my 3rd radiator. Apparently because I have an upgraded turbo and many other parts, my radiator can't handle the pressure and keeps blowing the radiator seals. That's according to the shop that I usually take the car to.

So my question is:
Is this really possible? Or is the shop trying to bs me?

newtothegame · 06-14-2008, 02:23 AM

What type of radiator have you been using that keeps blowing? Or have you been trying a different one each time?

pzr2874 · 06-14-2008, 06:45 AM

It is possible since they work together. The pump circulates coolant from the turbo back to the radiator for cooling. 3 though ??

dumdum · 06-14-2008, 09:58 AM

The radiator cap sets the pressure for the system.If you are running an STI or any aftermarket cap it raises the pressure from 1.1bar-1.3 bar.It will cause prblems with OEM type radiators with the plastic end tanks.

03 CrazyTaxi · 06-18-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumdum

The radiator cap sets the pressure for the system.If you are running an STI or any aftermarket cap it raises the pressure from 1.1bar-1.3 bar.It will cause prblems with OEM type radiators with the plastic end tanks.

Ok, well the one that the shop put on is 16psi. That's around 1.1bar so that's not the problem. I can see if it was an 18 or 19psi cap but it's not.

Yeah, its an OEM that I've been popping the end caps on. Strange part is I'm still using the OEM hoses instead of silicone. They haven't expanded that I've noticed. Thought that would have happened before the end tanks...

Compression test came out within spec so not sure what's going on.

dumdum · 06-18-2008, 06:36 PM

So is it really seeing more pressure or overheating?Tons of people run turbos as big as 20G's on the stock core.

03 CrazyTaxi · 06-19-2008, 07:29 PM

Well, the temp guage would always be centered. The only thing that I noticed was a puddle of coolant and water under the car. That's when I found the leak and called the shop that had replaced it.

newtothegame · 06-20-2008, 02:04 AM

So hve you come up with what you are going to do or what to change out the stocker with?

dumdum · 06-20-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03 CrazyTaxi

Well, the temp guage would always be centered. The only thing that I noticed was a puddle of coolant and water under the car. That's when I found the leak and called the shop that had replaced it.

Are you sure the puddle wasn't from the overflow tank?Also try running a 66% water and 33% coolant mixture instead of a 50/50.

pzr2874 · 06-20-2008, 01:08 PM

Hey Ron, shouldn't a 75/25 work as well or 80/20 ?

dumdum · 06-20-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pzr2874

Hey Ron, shouldn't a 75/25 work as well or 80/20 ?

It technically would work better.Straight water would work the best over all as far as summer is concerned.I just recommend 66/33 because you can run it all year long.It basiclly comes down to your climate.

newtothegame · 06-21-2008, 01:57 AM

Paul is lucky enough to live in one of those places where he doesnt have to worry about the extremes colds like back east. (And I know they arent that extreme, but when the car disappears in the snow drift, you know.)

03 CrazyTaxi · 06-21-2008, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumdum

Are you sure the puddle wasn't from the overflow tank?Also try running a 66% water and 33% coolant mixture instead of a 50/50.

Yep, I've run straight water since it started leaking. Still leaking.

I've decided to save up for a Koyo 2 row all aluminum welded radiator. That is want my mechanic recommended.

03 CrazyTaxi · 07-07-2008, 02:28 AM

Ok, so I should have a Mitsumoto 2 row all aluminum radiator and all 9 coolant hoses replaced with 3 ply yellow silicone Samco hoses by Friday

Along with all that comes a new ERZ bellmouth downpipe, GM BCS, and a Walbro 255.