Radiator

[AL_Jazz]

Just incase anyone is interested in knowing, the XLR factory radiator has 2 additional coolers built into it....transmission cooler and oil cooler. The aftermarket units only have the trans cooler built into the radiator. The factory unit is $278 vs the $109 for an aftermarket, but my local Chevy dealer had the XLR radiator in stock...so my beastie is getting an original OEM installed back in.

 

[lextoy]

hey jazz , i recall there was some issue with early radiators leaking and being replaced with an improved part. they used a V radiator as it was better quality...from what i read.
might want to look into it and find out if you got the V radiator or an original version. not worth fretting over, but at least good to know what you are workin with.

 

[AL_Jazz]

hey jazz , i recall there was some issue with early radiators leaking and being replaced with an improved part. they used a V radiator as it was better quality...from what i read.
might want to look into it and find out if you got the V radiator or an original version. not worth fretting over, but at least good to know what you are workin with.

Yup..that would explain why it has the same part number as the V and why my XLR did not have oil cooler connections to utilize the extra cooler in this unit. Thank you for the details on that....now I have confirmation I have the right replacement unit in her now. I think I will look into having some hoses made that will enable me to run my engine oil through the cooler. Might be able to purchase the V hoses so I will have the correct ends and then just modify them to work...hmmm...gonna have to think about this.

 

[Johnson1989]

@ AL_Jazz,

Wondering if you ever figured out how to run the oil through the unused cooler? I'll be replacing my radiator soon but have been back and forth on whether to go OE or aftermarket. I stand to save around $150 with the latter, but I'm always nervous going aftermarket when it comes to integral parts, cooling system being a big one. If you did figure out a way to do it, that would be one more reason for me to go with the GM radiator. I'll probably end up spending the extra cash either way, but it sure does seem like a waste to leave that extra cooler unused.

Thanks in advance!

 

[V Happy]

Johnson1989
You know this is an old thread. I believe Al Jazz has moved on and sold his XLR. I was sorry to see him move on because the short time he owned his XLR he was very informative. Watch out for the aftermarket units. Some bad some good! The V radiator is what you want. It has cured a vast number of over heating in slow moving and parade conditions. I really haven't heard any one use the extra coolers on the base XLR but the overall radiator holds up and cools better.
V Happy

 

[Johnson1989]

V Happy,

Apologize for bumping an old thread. I saw it was from 2015 but didn't pay attention to the month. I'll make sure to pay better attention next time and use a PM for older messages.

That said, thank you for your reply! I will go with the OEM V radiator just to save myself from the hassle of getting a dud. I'd hate to spend half a day installing a new radiator just to find out its defective, haha. Trust me, been there before with used salvage yard radiators. Things never leak until you get everything buttoned up. I'll look more into whether its possible to run oil through the cooler on the stock northstar. My guess is that its more trouble than its worth, but its definitely something cool to look into.

 

[jmuirinvestigate]

radiator

Can't find a leak but going through a gallon of anti freeze every day. Can it be evaporating that quickly I dont think so. Looked in Oil not there. Changed cap helped a little no moisture on paasenger side interior. Please any suggestions

 

[rexster314]

You need to take it to a shop where they can pressure test the system. They'll also pressure test the reservoir top to see if it's leaking. I'd look at the tailpipes when the engine is running to see if any fluids are coming out of tailpipe.

 

[V Happy]

J
Gallon a day? If I was a betting man I would bet on water pump. They some times are leakers on the road. If you can get a mirror one the lower part behind the pulley there is usually a stain. Surge tank cap is another good bet. Gallon a day should be found with out much effort. Pressure check is easiest way to go!
V happy

 

[jmuirinvestigate]

leak

Thanks for response as soon as they put pressure on it the leak was found on the side plastic radiator. thanks I have been told its a $700. job to replace radiator

 

[rexster314]

Thanks for response as soon as they put pressure on it the leak was found on the side plastic radiator. thanks I have been told its a $700. job to replace radiator

That's kinda steep. A month after acquiring our 06, I noticed a coolant leack under the driver's side front bumper. Same type leak in the plastic tank on the left hand side. My mechanic had me purchase the radiator (on Amazon) and he replaced the part for 190$. Part was 120$ on Amazon. About a 2.5 hour job.

 

[Vasir]

I recently (last week) replaced my radiator with a $75 (including shipping) radiator from eBay. It was so cheap, I needed to do it for science- worse case scenario, id be out $75 and will need to reinstall another radiator quicker because i already did it once before...
So far so good (will update if there are any issues).

 

[rexster314]

Mine was AC Delco brand $130 and Prime shipping (free)