Radiator Leak Help for 1991

[RJB44]

I have a 1991 GMC jimmy which has sprung a leak. I came out this morning and it has a pretty steady drip. It doesn't appear to be the hose connection of the bottom left (if standing in front of the truck) but more so to the right, maybe two inches to the right from the lower hose. It seems the leak is right around where the left side bolt for the plastic radiator shroud (motor side) is. I can't see exactly where the leak is, unless I removed the shroud piece. I'm not sure if there is a fitting, or smaller house connection.

I have not R&R a radiator before, so not quite sure what is involved. I don't have a whole heck of available time for DIY, so I am wondering what a shop might charge my for labor on this job. I'm not sure if this is a common leak and easy fix. This may be the original factory radiator?

Finally, how does any of those aftermarket radiator leak products work? I picked up the AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak & Conditioner from AutoZone this morning, but haven’t put it in. Is using these products risky for other damage?

Thanks

 

[sweetk30]

rad and hoses vary easy job most any basic person that owns a basic socket set can do. plan on 2 hr or so.

drain coolent. pul fan shroud 2 bolts top & 2 bottom. pull 4 nuts and fan to get fan & shroud out. then pull upper & lower hoses & heater core hose pass side tank area of rad last over flow hose.

remove 4 bolts total for 2 upper hold down brackets. then remove rad . look to make sure you have all 4 rubbers. 2 in upper hold downs & 2 on core support were rad sits.

then reverse order to install new unit and refill coolent system.

if the rad is bad and you need new one.

if stop leak bars leak is best. and alum type is better for alum radiators.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Stop leak works great, it'll fix your problem. Bar's is the brand I remember using.

Also, I don't believe your radiator is aluminum so you'll want to swap the stuff you bought for the regular stuff.

 

[dyeager535]

Might as well replace it. As outlined above, pretty simple process, one of the simpler things to replace actually. This is assuming a copper/brass radiator, not the AL/plastic jobs that seem to leak more from the tank/core joints.

If it's leaking, it's corroded inside more than likely, and that means it's also got scale built up preventing it from working as well as it should. In a place like VA, I'd want an efficient working radiator, so I'd replace it. For most older vehicles (like our trucks) GM seemed to have a pretty large margin built in for radiator capacity, so as they corrode internally they still tend to cool well, but at some point they either just come apart, or your engine starts to overheat. IMO losing a radiator on a steep grade is not my idea of the time to replace it.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I'm not a fan of any kind of stop leak that you pour into your radiator. If they are designed to stop a leak they also plug up heater cores and small water hoses. I've seen this all too many times. It would be best to install a new radiator and properly flush the cooling system then keep up on annual maintenance to prevent future problems for years to come.

 

[fwc]

Where in northern virginia are you? Replacing the radiator is a pretty straight forward job.

 

[RJB44]

What size radiator?

What can you folks recommend for a decent over the counter radiator from parts store? 1991 Jimmy? - Replacing stock.

Thanks

 

[syclonekid43]

I'm not a fan of any kind of stop leak that you pour into your radiator. If they are designed to stop a leak they also plug up heater cores and small water hoses. I've seen this all too many times. It would be best to install a new radiator and properly flush the cooling system then keep up on annual maintenance to prevent future problems for years to come.

same here. i cant count how many cars came to my shop with a clogged heater core.

 

[fwc]

What can you folks recommend for a decent over the counter radiator from parts store? 1991 Jimmy? - Replacing stock.

Thanks

First you need to determine if you have a 17", 19" or 21" high radiator.

In NOVA, go to Advanced Auto. Ready Rad brand is the one they carry, had one in my Jimmy for two years without a problem. You will want to look online for some Gates or Goodyear hoses.

 

[dyeager535]

What can you folks recommend for a decent over the counter radiator from parts store? 1991 Jimmy? - Replacing stock.

Thanks

Just replace stock with stock. If what you've got has been working, but leaks, you don't need anything fancy.

One thing though, if you've got the means, pull the radiator you think is leaking, before buying another, and make sure that's what it is, since you can't see it.