1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

New Radiator Needed, But which one?

Old 04-05-2009, 11:01 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Thread Starter
 
sam8772's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sam8772 is on a distinguished road
Question New Radiator Needed, But which one?

Well the ole bonne has sprung a leak in the radiator. While searching the web for a replacement I have found many makes that claim they fit my car. My question is how do I know which one I need. Some come with oil/tran cooling and coolent temp sensor as well as coolent level sensor. All I really want is exactly what is in there. How do I know if I have all of these things on my current radiator? BTW THANK YOU Danthurs for helping me with my vacuum leak. Your advice saved me BIG $$$$$
Old 04-05-2009, 11:32 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Purplehazeir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arlington, WA
Posts: 7,979
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Purplehazeir is on a distinguished road
Default

Depending on where the leak is, some radiator shops can pull them and solder them. This is usually cheaper than the $400+ for a new radiator.

Multi fit radiators are not designed to fit a single model, but will cover several different makes - like Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac and as such have the accessories openings for cooling lines, sensors, etc.
Old 04-05-2009, 01:00 PM
  #3  
Retired Senior Admin

Expert Gearhead
 
Danthurs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Danthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to all
Default

Glad I was able to help. Take a look at www.rockauto.com and see what they have listed there. As Purplehazer said, they can fit several cars. If it'* a small leak see if you can have it soldered. Less money and less work then pulling and replacing.
Old 04-05-2009, 01:37 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Thread Starter
 
sam8772's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sam8772 is on a distinguished road
Default

Well it is leaking in the side under the upper return hose in what looks like multiple places. I was told (not offically) that leaks in the seam that goes vertically are not able to be repaired. I checked rock auto they only want like $125 for a new one. I would think that a fix would probably cost that much. 75 per hour labor plus shop fees, I think replacement is probably the best option. But.... To buy a new one should I get the one with all the sensors and oil/tran cooler? Or maybe I am over estimating the repair cost. BTW I tried Bars leak with no succes it seems like it leaked more after that LOL just my luck. Between my bonne and my boat engine I am about to pull my hair out.
Old 04-05-2009, 01:53 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Purplehazeir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arlington, WA
Posts: 7,979
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Purplehazeir is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by sam8772
But.... To buy a new one should I get the one with all the sensors and oil/tran cooler?
You really need to get up close and personal with your radiator and see what you currently have connected or not connected. Don't buy what you don't need.
Old 04-05-2009, 02:02 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Thread Starter
 
sam8772's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sam8772 is on a distinguished road
Default

Guess I need to leave the office and get down and dirty with it. I just have to decide, do I want to work on my bonne or my mercury. Life is full of hard choices! If I had it my way I would throw them both off a cliff, but then what would I do with all my free time? Thanks for your guys input.
Old 04-05-2009, 02:31 PM
  #7  
Retired Senior Admin

Expert Gearhead
 
Danthurs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Danthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to all
Default

You will more then likely need the trans cooler. As for the sensors. I would try to get them out of the old radiator first. If they don't come out then get them locally.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hollow
Oldsmobile
8
01-29-2015 02:59 PM
Dave535i
1992-1999
2
05-21-2007 11:11 AM
John Deere Boy
Lounge
8
07-09-2005 11:05 AM
Lime
1992-1999
10
05-15-2005 03:36 PM
griff1455
1992-1999
3
04-20-2005 03:42 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: New Radiator Needed, But which one?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:58 PM.