I am just saying a quick fix can be the clamp, like I suggested, but the washer tig welded in there should also fit the bill.
07 Tahoe engine hot ac turned off
- Thread starter Dukenukemx
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
So I made my own restrictor for the radiator today from the metal valve stem of an old TPMS sensor.
I cut the valve stem off right at the sensor like so...
Then threaded the cut off portion into the nipple on the radiator, valve stem end first.
The bigger threaded portion of the stem, where the nut screws on to hold it to the rim, actually was a snug fit and I was able to thread it into the radiator and have it hold.
I obviously removed the valve stem core before installing this.
I also cut the old radiator apart and measured the restrictor hole.
For anyone curious, it is a 3/32" hole. Pretty dang small.
This valve stem may not have the exact size hole but it is definitely smaller than the original unrestricted hole.
The truck now gets up to its normal operating temperature of 192°- 194°.
I cut the valve stem off right at the sensor like so...
Then threaded the cut off portion into the nipple on the radiator, valve stem end first.
The bigger threaded portion of the stem, where the nut screws on to hold it to the rim, actually was a snug fit and I was able to thread it into the radiator and have it hold.
I obviously removed the valve stem core before installing this.
I also cut the old radiator apart and measured the restrictor hole.
For anyone curious, it is a 3/32" hole. Pretty dang small.
This valve stem may not have the exact size hole but it is definitely smaller than the original unrestricted hole.
The truck now gets up to its normal operating temperature of 192°- 194°.
Ingenious.
kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Thanks... but I'm pretty sure it was just dumb luck... lol
But since it worked out I figured I would share my results in case anyone else might want to use my trick.
The thing I like about it is that once the hose is back on, nobody is the wiser... looks stock/without modification.
OP
OP
Dukenukemx
TYF Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2020
- Posts
- 11
- Reaction score
- 3
The problem has still been occurring, but I've just been clearing the code out with my ODB2 tool but I reread this post and it sounds like I should restrict the flow of coolant from the resevoir. I'm trying the clamp trick first to see if this prevents the issue. From there I guess I'll have to figure out a less jerry rigged method.
Tozan
Overlander
What radiator do you have in it? (sorry if you posted this already I didn't feel like rereading everything...)
When I installed my Cold Case radiator, I used a little brass fitting I found on the Dorman rack at my local Autozone. It was just the right size on the outside according to my calibrated eyeball, and the hole was about 3/32". It was a snug fit into the hose so it won't migrate to the tank. No problems. Let us know what you find.
Tozan
Overlander
I found a really easy fix on my Cold Case... Just take an empty / fired 45ACP case punch out the primer then shove it in the upper hose going to the overflow tank and reconnect the hose...
could you send me a better picture of the restrictor hole size? Do you know the exact size? Is the a OEM radiator for a 5.3L? Thanks Ken [email protected]
adventurenali92
Full Access Member
No. Aftermarket radiator from 1800radiators.com and on an LQ4 6.0.
iLikeEggs
Potato!
This morning I got the "Engine hot/turned off AC" message and the fans were screaming. There was no overheating and no CEL. This happened to me a while back. Turned out it was a bad connector on the pig tail to the engine coolant temp sensor. I replaced it along with the sensor and it fixed it, until now. Both parts were Duralast. I happened to have a spare pig tail and an AC Delco CTS so I replaced them. I also cleaned the negative terminals on both batteries and pulled the ECM fuse for about a minute. Started up and problem solved. Winning....for now anyway.
Tozan
Overlander
UPDATE: I removed the coldcase radiator last year because it split at the seems... I no loner recommend Cold Case...
I had a similar experience with mine
iLikeEggs
Potato!
Oh dang. Did they offer to warranty it?
iLikeEggs
Potato!
How long did you have it in there before it failed?
I would’ve had to send it back so they can inspect it and determine if it’s warranty or not. Then wait with no radiator while they decide and send another POS. I was annoyed so I went back to OEM (Denso) and recycled the thing.
kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
When mine started leaking I called them and he had me send pics and they sent me a replacement and I kept the old one. Just FYI.
New design fit much better and I haven't had any further issues, but only time will tell.
I probably should have called, but their return policy, as written, made me think it wasn't worth it. And, after all of the problems with them others here have had too, I wouldn't have trusted the thing anyway.
Tozan
Overlander
I had it in there for about a year and a half. It is my every day driver so I didn't have time to wait for a new one to get in.
Similar threads
