Radiator Problem

[TheDeal526]

1993 Buick Lesabre Custom 3.8

I just purchased this car not to long ago, and when I did my quick inspection of the car the first thing I noticed was how well the radiator looked both inside and out. And recently I started leaking coolant from the radiator, just below the upper radiator hose. I replaced the hose itself hoping that was the culprit. The leak continues, and only occurs after ive driven for awhile and only after i shut the engine off. While the car is running there is no leak, but soon as I shut it off it leaks pretty heavy for 1 or 2 minutes. Could this be something with my radiator I can repair my or fix myself, or should I just spring for a new radiator?

Thanks All

[HotZ28]

The life of the original radiator plastic tanks average 10-12 years. When they develop a crack, you have two choices, a new radiator, or have the tanks replaced on the old one. It is hard to find a radiator shop that will replace the tanks and when you do find one, they charge within 25 bucks of what a new radiator cost. (Not worthwhile in my opinion). I replaced my radiator last year with a Proliance brand, (Ready-Rad) for about 140 bucks. Check prices with several vendors, including radiator shops, for the best price. I found the price varied as muck as 30 bucks between vendors, for the identical item & part number. Do not waste your time with “stop leaks”! It will not work because of the hot-cold expansion-contraction characteristics of the plastic tanks. This would also apply in the case at any attempt to make external repairs with epoxy or JB-Weld. It might work for a few weeks, but the leak will return!

[TheDeal526]

thanks again HotZ28. are all brands pretty much the same, or is the Proliance brand that you purchased one of the best brands I can get?

[HotZ28]

Proliance and Spectra Premium seem to be the two most popular replacement brands and regardless of design, the manufacturer offers the same warranty and the same assurance that the part will fit the vehicle application listed and perform as well or better than original equipment. Proliance does offer a traditional Copper/Brass, 2-row HD radiator!

Be sure to check if you have an oil cooler or a coolant sensor mounted in the radiator tanks before purchasing. I bought the Proliance brand because my local radiator shop that has been in business for 44 years, had one in stock at a reasonable price and offered a lifetime factory warranty on it.

[TheDeal526]

i was told to check for an oil cooler when i went to an autoparts shop. how do i know if i have an oil cooler or coolant sensor?

[HotZ28]

The coolant sensor would be located on the passenger side tank, below the radiator cap. It would have an electrical connector going to it. If you have an oil cooler, the drivers side tank would have two small hoses (inlet & outlet 5/16” or 3/8”) near the bottom of the tank. I really doubt that you would have an oil cooler!