Radiator Leak

[ggunder]

I have a 72 240z with an L28 engine. I have a feeling the radiator is stock and does not have a shroud. It keeps the engine cool, but I have not had the car long to test it in hot weather. I live near Sacramento, CA so it can get pretty hot and I live at the top of a huge hill. The radiator has a small leak near the upper tank. I prefer to have ample cooling capacity just in case and would like to get a 3-row radiator. Has anyone bought one from Rockauto? They are very reasonably priced but have a built-in transmission cooler from what I can tell. Will I need to find a shroud also?

Thanks for your input, the price difference is about $100 compared to the next cheapest model.

[Rainman]

I've used the stock radiator in my Rebello 3.1L powered 260Z for two years and had no problems at all. Medford may be a few degrees cooler than Sacramento but it routinely exceeds 104 degrees here during the summer and my stock radiator has been trouble free.

Why not have your stock core boiled out and the leak repaired at your local radiator shop? It might cost you $40 total.. Just a thought..

[ggunder]

Sounds like the stock versions have plenty of capacity. It would not hurt to get a quote at least. I also keep seeing them on Craigslist for guys that are converting to V8 engines or going racing. Thanks for the tip!

[Bruce Palmer]

I'd say the best money you could spend would be with a good radiator shop to inspect, pressure test and repair your radiator. Even if you went out and bought a used one, you'd need to go through it anyway. Any of these systems, if you want reliability in your ride, should be taken back to square one before being put into service. A well done stock radiator will do most any cooling job for an L motored Z.

Oh, and if after you are done, there are tattle tale tapes available that can stick to your thermostat housing that will show you exactly how hot that water has ever gotten. I have had it on my wagon for about 4 years now and has not seen hotter'n 190 ever.

[Reverend]

I'll double that, got also leak in upper tank. Got it repaired for 30€, cant be more there.