DeTomaso Mailing List: December 98, Message #183

-- [ From: forest * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --

 You might take it to a radiator shop and get an opinion of whether you
caused the damage or not first. If so then have them repair it. If not
then call the supplier and ask for a replacement.
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Sunday, 06-Dec-98 03:55 PM

From: Jim Last                 \ Internet:    (jlast@pcocd2.intel.com)
To:   pantera forum            \ Internet:    (detomaso@realbig.com)

Subject: I could just scream

*sigh*


Well, I finally managed to get all the pipes and hoses and crap back
together for my cooling system "update" which includes a new radiator,
fan assbly, SS tanks, hoses, thermostat, and so on.  I double checked
every hose connection and clamp and bolt to make sure nothing's gonna
leak or explode.

I started to follow the directions on how to refill the cooling system
as outlined in the manuals, but I only had 2 gallons of Prestone, and
they weren't enough to cause the dribbling out of the top radiator
butterfly valve.  So, I poured in my two gallons and waited a little to
see if anything would leak anyway. Nothing did, so I jumped in Mazda and
headed to the local grocery store for a couple gallons of distilled
water.  $1.58.  Cool.

I got back home and skipped on into the garage, ready to finish the
refill and start the up-n-down bleeding process, when I see this HUGE
puddle of fluorescent yellow-green liquid under the radiator.  "Crap,
what a mess."  I thought maybe two gallons WAS enough to fill the system
and I simply didn't wait long enough to see.  But the release valve was
closed tight.  Hmmm.  I couldn't see any wet spots by the pipes, so I
was pretty sure my clamps were clamping and the hoses were hosing.

Then I look at the front of the radiator.  And there, about halfway up,
right in the middle, was the beginning of the long slimy trail, ending
in the drip-drip-drip onto the garage floor.  There's a damned *hole* in
my radiator!

I can't believe it.  After all the knuckle-busting, waiting, thinking,
cussing, fidgeting, and such-n-suching, my new radiator leaks like a
frickin' sieve.  Does Murphy have any second cousins?

Now admittedly, the spot where this leak is starting is where some of
the aluminum vane things got marred while I was trying to install the
thing.  The radiator tipped forward and rested for a second on one of
the spots where the cooling fan bracket mounts. But it looked purely
superficial, since these vanes can be bent with my pinky finger, and I
didn't think anything of it other than it doesn't look as pristine as it
used to.

Suggestiongs?  I really hope I didn't just buy $500 worth of scrap.

ARGH!!




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