BodybyFisher Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Ok I need to replace my side tanks. Should I do this job myself or take it to my local radiator shop and have them flush it and pressure test it when they are done? They want $50 to install the tanks and I planned to ask them to hot soak it and pressure test it (which I think they will do anyway). I was also going to get them to flush the tranny and oil coolers unless that was standard. What do you guys think? I was planning to buy this tab tool if I did it myself: JOHNSON'S WIDE TAB TOOL Like our Tab Tool, but has a wider claw and jaws for lifting and crimping wide aluminum tabs like those found on General Motors PTR's. Both Johnson Tab Tools work great http://www.johnsonmfg.com/temp/FTOOL.HTM For $50 I am leaning toward having them do it as they can flush and pressure test it... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Mike, You don't need me to tell you this: 1) They will do the job. 2) They will take your money 3) They won't do the job to your satisfaction. But, maybe you can live with their work. Regards, Warren [anal/] There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Warren, then there is the third option, I just requested a quote from Brasington. I was wrong, for TWO tanks they want $90, that plus $120 for the tanks and gaskets will put me in the new radiator strata. If the radiator is $260, I think I might do it myself as long as I can confirm that it is in fact the tank leaking. Will advise.. Walts radiator on Hallock Road in Port Jefferson by the way are terrific... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkz71 Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 $50 sounds like a deal to me. Edit, $50 + $90 for the tanks?? I would buy a new radiator and be done with it. Edit # 2: OK, $90 + $120 = $210. For $230 + shipping you can get a new one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 $50 sounds like a deal to me. Sorry clarkz, it was $90 to $100 for two tanks they initially quoted for a single tank.. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STSSCOTT Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 I would just go on ebay and buy a new radiator, new and almost cheaper. Or radiator warehouse......lifetime warranty! scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkz71 Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 A GM radiator is $230 at P&G http://www.partszoneonline.com/index.php GM # 52489132 or Delco 21404 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Yep I just got a price of $260 including shipping from Brasington.. The Tab Plier is $45 and four side tank clamps are $88 from Johnsons Radiator http://www.johnsonmfg.com/temp/FTOOL.HTM . If I buy the tools, I will have them the next time I need to replace a side tank. The proper way to do this is using the clamps to put pressure on the gasket not just crimp the tabs.. So I can do it myself for the following costs: $88 Clamps (4 clamps) $45 Tab Plier $39 Side Tank $48 Side Tank $28 Gaskets $248 Total Logically it makes sense for me to buy a new radiator, BUT, if I buy these tools and repair it myself by replacing the tanks when the job ends I will have the tools to do it myself next time, since I am planning to buy a 98-00 STS, they MAY come in handy again... Plus I can lend them to fellow members here.... Thanks for all the input above. Any thoughts? Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Mike, My tanks came WITH all the gaskets. gmpartsdirect sold me a gasket set, which I sent back. Sure, you can do the job yourself. You do not need any special tool. I remember a chisel came handy to open the tabs up. To clamp them back I used a wise. Taking into account the low price of aftermarket radiators I would go for them since they seem to be okay. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Here's the suggestion you have been waiting for, Mike. Buy a new radiator and install it. Buy the tab pliers and practice removing and replacing the side tanks on your old radiator. New radiator + new tools = win win. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackc Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Mike I have to say that I used to be the outspoken advocate for having the old radiator repaired - but I just recently bought Rockauto's premium radiator for only $155 after my repaired original started leaking again. Their GM part number radiator was even cheaper. FWIW....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkz71 Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike Their GM part number radiator was even cheaper. They use a GM part #, but it's not a GM radiator, that's why it's cheaper then the premium aftermarket rad. It says "various manufacturer's". When you type in the GM part # and click on "more info" it says: VARIOUS MFR parts come from companies like TYC Genera, DEPO (MaxZone), Kool-Vue, EagleEyes and TYG. A particular part number may be purchased from one manufacturer today to fill out an ocean container, even if we have that part on the shelf from another manufacturer -- that's why we can't promise which manufacturer's part you'll receive. Regardless of manufacturer, these parts look and perform like original equipment -- they're all based on the same original-equipment designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Hall Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike, Here a 5% discout coupon for Rockauto: 566192431620 Expires Feb 27 I also bought an aftermarket radiator from Rockauto for my 93 Allante and it looked identical to the old one and fit perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Thanks Guys for the insight and suggestions. I will probably buy an aftermarket radiator as long as it has the same capacity.. And thanks Ed for that discount.... Thanks Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acklac7 Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 I was also going to get them to flush the tranny My first thought was "OMG, Mike's completely lost it" ...then went back and re-read the post. I was going to say, out of all the people on this board, why in the world would you get your Tranny flushed! A.J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 In researching radiator costs last year for another post, I asked for a quote on Radiator.com and a guy called me. I had just replaced mine so I didn't need another, but the guy kept on and the price kept dropping. I don't recall the numbers but they are in line with the best quoted here. About a year ago, I had a split seam on the right side and replaced it at Meineke. Price was sorta OK. Wished I'd done it myself, but I didn't have the time, either for the job or for the downtime. -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 I was also going to get them to flush the tranny "OMG, Mike's completely lost it" Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Now that we have that clear, I don't think the transmission cooler or the oil cooler needs flushing. -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Now that we have that clear, I don't think the transmission cooler or the oil cooler needs flushing. Lets not exaggerate how much I have lost it , my manual on page 7A-56 details TRANSAXLE COOLER FLUSHING and FLOW TESTING..... IF you don't know me by now, you can rest assured that while I am fixing a radiator tank, I will flush both coolers to get any gunk or sediment out. While it does not require a FLUSH unless you experience contamination from component damage or clutch material, flushing both coolers to ensure good flow to me is just good maintenence. That said, I will probably buy a new radiator its much less trouble... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 That said, I will probably buy a new radiator its much less trouble... I think that's the right move. Flushing the coolers certainly won't hurt anything. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stsjoe Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike, I don't know about your area but I replaced mine with a Modine that bolted up from a local Rad. shop for 130, its got to be easier to replace than repair. Hope the pink jeep is outta the garage cause its cold out there! Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike, I don't know about your area but I replaced mine with a Modine that bolted up from a local Rad. shop for 130, its got to be easier to replace than repair. Hope the pink jeep is outta the garage cause its cold out there! Joe Sorry to say, the pink jeep was sold at a garage sale... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL T Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike, if you have time to work it in I would do it myself. Yes, it will probably cost you about the same as a new radiator and it will probably not go as straight forward as you thought, but I would vote for new tools and experience any day. If time is a problem I would buy the new one and buy the tools anyway and fix the old one when time allows and have it for a back up. I do not have time to work on the cars like I used to due to my job and family. I miss the hands-on fix it yourself experience. I have a few projects waiting for me that I would love to get into but tinkering on old cars does not pay the bills right now. Someday when my girls get old enough I can get some quality time under the hood with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Mike, if you have time to work it in I would do it myself. Yes, it will probably cost you about the same as a new radiator and it will probably not go as straight forward as you thought, but I would vote for new tools and experience any day. If time is a problem I would buy the new one and buy the tools anyway and fix the old one when time allows and have it for a back up. I do not have time to work on the cars like I used to due to my job and family. I miss the hands-on fix it yourself experience. I have a few projects waiting for me that I would love to get into but tinkering on old cars does not pay the bills right now. Someday when my girls get old enough I can get some quality time under the hood with them. Hey thanks Paul, appreciate that. Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonjaab Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 Don't bother !!!!!!!!!! These plastic side tank radiators suck ! "Retanking" is tricky at best. No guarantee that they won't pop a leak down the road. Best bet..........Get a aftermarket solid and old fashoned 100% metal side tank replacement radiator. My sisters old VWs side tanks popped and the local radiator shop was iffy at best fixing it and if they did no guarantee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got a solid metal (brass?) replacement for $165 from a local radiator suppy house and installed it myself...............geo 93 DeVille-13 Chevy Impala 72 GTO - 77 Triumph Bonneville 84 Z-28 Syracuse NY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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