Plastic radiator filler neck warping.....

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Gomer Pyle

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This is an OEM radiator AC Delco #21371 installed by a local Chevy dealer July 13, 2012. The truck has been driven a little over 26k miles. It has been losing coolant and boiling into the overflow tank for a while now....never has overheated. When it's hot I can squeeze the opening with my fingers and feel & see it flex. Could this be keeping the system from pressurizing and letting the coolant boil out into the overflow tank? Has anyone else seen this on their radiator? Is this a case of plastic not being as good as old-school metal? If I buy another OEM radiator for $625 is it gonna do the same in 5-6 years?
Thanks in advance for any input.6c746bb987307336fbecfd3f8df6dc89.jpgf116a16e9bfc06a4fd9c0bf48de50654.jpg

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Gomer Pyle

Gomer Pyle

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Oh, sorry......it's actually a '95 K2500 Suburban....

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Squirrelsmith

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$625 for a plastic radiator? If you have that kind of cash for a radiator get a nice all aluminum one. Am i right guys? I bought a all aluminum champion for 200, i had some fitment issues to work around so i wouldnt recommend my specific one but certainly there is a very nice high end all aluminum radiator out there for you for less than another one of those.
 

RED TAHOE LS

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That is not normal, neither is $600 for a radiator. Check the plastic tank on the driver's side between the upper and lower cooler line fittings. They are prone to crack effecting both pressure and keeping coolant from leaking.

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Gomer Pyle

Gomer Pyle

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Don't worry! I am *not* buying a radiator from the dealer. The truck's PO had the rad replaced there in July 2012 and I called to see if there was any warranty or TSB on the radiator. The parts guy quoted me $6?? when i pointed out tha the part had cost $4?? back in '012......
For now I have replaced the cap as I think it *may* have had the original one still in service. Since Thursday it has not lost anymore coolant.
When I eventually replace it I will get one through RockAuto or Amazon for probably less than $200.
Thanx for the input!

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east302

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Heads up, a lot of the aftermarket radiators come with an extra (unused) port right under the filler neck. They stick a rubber cap with a hose clamp on it and call it a day. Trouble is, the cap will crack and deteriorate due to coolant heat, posing a leak risk.

Another member on here @Squirrelsmith was told by a manufacturer that the cap was never intended to be a permanent installation.

8b80457e6099dda1485beae5d3fa025f.jpg

I’m not sure what models needed the port, but if you don’t need it then avoid any that have it. I bought a Delco radiator recently and it did not have the port.


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