67 small block radiator replacement

[Mark Jekot]

I have developed a small leak in the original radiator of my 67, 327/300.

I want to pull it out and have it pressure tested to see the extent on the damage. It seems like a simple enough process, however I do not know what to do with the anti-freeze that will come out of the car when I pull the hoses. I know I can't flush it down the storm sewers, so I must catch it somehow.

The questions are: If I catch the A.F. can I reuse it? If not, how to dispose?

Is there a drawback to an epoxy fix on the radiator?

When do I bite the bullit and call DeWitts?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 small block radiator replacement

Mark-----

The primary environmental problem with used coolant is that after long service in an automotive cooling system, it becomes contaminated with several dissolved heavy metals, including copper, zinc, lead, and certain other metals. However, this is not a problem with cars with cooling systems which use aluminum radiators. So, your spent coolant should be realtively free of these contaminants. Ethylene glycol, which is the basic material of most automotive coolants, is quite toxic in the relatively concentrated form as it comes out of an automotive cooling system. However, in low concentration as it is received at a municiapl wastewater treatment plant influent it is very treatable and biodegradable by treatment plant biological secondary processes. So, there are 2 things that you can do with your coolant:

1) Take it to a household hazardous waste collection facility in your area. Many communities have such facilities available at no charge or nominal charge. This is your best option, if it's available;

2) Dispose of the coolant to the SANITARY SEWER system through a garage or other sink/fixture in your house. You CANNOT legally discharge it to the STORM SEWER collection system as you recognized. Discharge of ethylene glycol, per se, is not prohibited under the sanitary sewer regulations/ordinances of most communities;

Do not attempt to re-use the coolant. It's "shot" as the additive package is "worn out" by now and will not provide adequate corrosion protection.

As far as your radiator goes, if it's old (check the date on the top), the chances are VERY great that if you repair it with an epoxy or other repair method, another leak will soon "sprout". The radiator is likely very thin in many areas, if one area has begun leaking. Your best bet if you plan to drive the car: replace with a DeWitts reproduction aluminum radiator. Absolutely. Positively.

[Mark Jekot]

Re: 67 small block radiator replacement

Joe,

My radiator is dated August of 1966, so it is quite old.

In the post below mine, you reccommended that he get his radiator re-cored. Could it be that his is copper and mine is aluminum????

As always, thanks for all of your help.

Mark Jekot
#33661

[Craig S.]

Re: 67 small block radiator replacement

Mark - your assumption is correct - recoring can be done on copper radiators by tank removal and soldering them to the new core. Aluminum radiators as used on Corvettes are a stacked design, with no tanks, and can not be recored. Your best option, as Joe states, is DeWitts reproduction, a very high quality product that can be dated to match your car....Craig

[Ron R.]

Re: 67 small block radiator replacement

Mark,
I have a valvoline drive up 30 minute oil change place by me that will take antifreeze, oil, and even oil filters to recycle for FREE. Call around locally.
As for the radiator, go for DeWitts. I did the same last summer after my original 67 started overheating at low speeds and in traffic (parades, ect.) Finally filled up with crud that couldn't be cleaned even with a local radiator shop flushing. I can now run with the 180 degree thermostat without overheating.
Good luck,
Ron
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