Kbuskill's 2008 Burb LTZ "MOD" Thread
- Thread starter kbuskill
- Start date
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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.
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.
iamdub
Full Access Member
Genius!
Has yours thrown any "taking too long to warm up" code or you did this proactively? I don't know what your weather is currently.
Wait- you have to restrict the flow because the new radiator works too good? I’m confused. Kinda glad I just went with a new ACDelco OEM when I replaced mine as a maintenance item a few months ago. It works great.
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Yes, kind of... it popped up "Engine Hot, A/C Turned Off" on my way home from church the other night.
No CEL but I had to clear a pending P0128 Thermostat malfunction code in order to get the message to go away and the cooling fans to turn off.
I checked everything and the truck wasn't overheating... coolant level was good and the OBD2 data showed 142°.
Evidently GM, in all of their infinite wisdom, decided that if your vehicle takes too long to get up to operating temperature they will make the DIC tell you that your truck is overheating... lol
After the restrictor install the truck gets up to 192°- 194° just like before and no more issues.
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Wait- you have to restrict the flow because the new radiator works too good? I’m confused. Kinda glad I just went with a new ACDelco OEM when I replaced mine as a maintenance item a few months ago. It works great.
Yes the top port on the passenger side goes to the surge tank. From the surge tank it flows back into the water pump housing BEHIND the thermostat. If there is too much flow through that top port it will actually keep the truck from warming up all the way because it is bypassing the thermostat.
Come to find out the factory radiator has a restrictor built into it and when I cut it open to check the size it is only 3/32" in diameter.
I believe the top port is only meant to allow steam/air pockets to escape the radiator and into the surge tank.
Shouldn’t have to f around with a new radiator to make it work imo. Good thing you’re a great troubleshooter. Seems like this company needs to fix their stuff or at least let their customers know there might be an issue. Have you contacted them about this?
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
I haven't. It seems to be a somewhat known issue with most all of the aftermarket radiators, at least from what I read.
Not sure if Mishimoto has the same issue or not.
If someone were towing, it would be kinda cool to put a ball valve in that hose so that you could open it more for extra cooling when needed.
Oh yeah I remember hearing about that but I thought you just had to make sure the new one had a restrictor, and that most of the high quality ones had it. Maybe I’m not remembering right though, I AM getting old af. It surprises me that these companies( who must know about the issue) don’t have the option for the buyer to have a restrictor included or at least put an install note in the box that says you might have to cut a valve stem off an old TPMS sensor and rig it up in the top port of their expensive radiator in order for it to work right in your GM lol.
Where did you order this fine piece of Aluminum? I want to grab a bigger rad before I install my blower.
iamdub
Full Access Member
Good info. And further evidence that the vital gauges aren't for reporting actual stats. The PCM can make them do whatever it's programmed to do. ******* them out to draw attention and/or displaying urgent warnings in the DIC are just entry-level measures enabling us to not have to pay attention when we drive. Next level is side warning detection, then cameras all around, then steering that corrects when you drift, then cars that park themselves...
MAKE AMERICA DRIVE AGAIN!!!
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Autoplicity was the cheapest place I found it...
https://autoplicity.com/14023621-cold-case-radiators-gmt569a
This is the version with the engine oil cooler in the driver side tank.
It was $302.71 shipped when I bought mine a few weeks ago... now it shows $334.
Summit and Jegs both carry it as well as the manufacturer, Cold Case Radiators.
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Oh yeah I remember hearing about that but I thought you just had to make sure the new one had a restrictor, and that most of the high quality ones had it. Maybe I’m not remembering right though, I AM getting old af. It surprises me that these companies( who must know about the issue) don’t have the option for the buyer to have a restrictor included or at least put an install note in the box that says you might have to cut a valve stem off an old TPMS sensor and rig it up in the top port of their expensive radiator in order for it to work right in your GM lol.
I just emailed Cold Case to tell them about the bracket fitment issues and the lack of a restrictor.
I will report back if/when they respond.
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kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
Very true...
I also went out and pulled the hose again to make sure everything was where I left it and to get a picture of the valve stem installed in the radiator nipple.
Here it is for those with inquiring minds...
Here you can see the difference in the size of the hole compared to the size of the original opening...
iamdub
Full Access Member
^^^ That is one hell of an idea for this.
Agreed. That’s innovation. That’s why I keep all kinds of small parts and pieces of hardware even though I can’t see any possible use for it, as long as it doesn’t take up much room. When you need something like this, it’s time to think outside the box and start digging. Good job, Ken.
Agreed. I keep everything that may have a potential use down the road, unless it’s huge. Hell yeah! Nice job Ken!
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
Same--you should see my garage
!
Mines clean and organized but that’s because I just made it that way.Same--you should see my garage
randeez
Full Access Member
this isnt the mishimoto right?
if you look down that barb on the mishimoto the hole is only drilled out about that size at the end tank
i also threaded the inside of that barb to 1/8" npt so i could run hard tubing over to the overflow tank
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