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Coolant system leak - what would you do?

What would you Do? 185,000 miles 2003 Z-71 leaking antifreeze - pretty sure it's the radiator

  • Replace just the radiator (yeah, probably not this one)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Replace the radiator and all hoses

    Votes: 1 33.3%
  • Full system refresh - radiator, hoses, water pump and thermostat

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Other - please explain

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    3
So here you go. Here's the upgraded quick disconnect compared to the factory unit. I can tell you this piece is beefy,. This thing should outlast the life of the truck.

PXL_20201119_230215457.jpg

Now to go toss them on and go get larger clamps (haven't been out all week). Oh yeah, Dufus here has to remove the fan again because I noticed the lower radiator shroud still sitting on the garage floor. :beating:
 
I just don't know what to say, except :laugh:
 
I like the new quick disconnect! Have a link?

And that sucks about the lower fan shroud... Maybe it's just me, but one-off projects are usually 3 steps forward, 2 steps back and repeat...
 
I like the new quick disconnect! Have a link?

And that sucks about the lower fan shroud... Maybe it's just me, but one-off projects are usually 3 steps forward, 2 steps back and repeat...
Man, I feel like I'm one step forward, ten back most the time. At least I hadn't returned the special tool yet so it was a quick endeavor.

Carid.com had the best price (no pic) https://www.carid.com/dorman/hvac-heater-hose-connector-mpn-800-409hp.html
Rock Auto is where I first saw it https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12025689&cc=1411894&jsn=779
 
So, this was a perfect fit?
 
So, this was a perfect fit?
I will give a qualified yes. It fit in the hose perfectly and it snapped easily right into place with a resounding "click". The proof will be in the pudding after I get the larger hose clamps for the lower radiator hose this evening and fill and "burp" the system.
 
The qualified yes on the perfect fit is now a definite yes. I let it idle for about 40 minutes to run it up to temp and burp the system. I did have a scare when I then went to change my oil and saw a huge puddle on the floor. Even though I had the temp set to 90 I guess the a/c compressor was running and it was just condensation. Whew. As of now, knock on wood, I don't see any leaks. I definitely recommend those metal disconnects.

I will say though, this video is why I prefer good old fashioned levers over "automatic" HVAC systems and such. How the heck can one properly prime the cooling system/heater core when the auto temperature just wants to bounce back and forth!?!

 
Last edited:
Easy fix for the auto temp adjustment.

Buy a can of CRC - 2130 QD Plastic Safe Liquid Contact Cleaner, 11 oz Aerosol Can, Clear.

Grab the adjustment knob and pull straight off of the shaft.

Spray the cleaner down the shaft while turning the shaft back and forth.

I did this while the a/c in my EXT was on and running.

The spray will not harm anything.

I also used this method to fix the balky radio adjustment knobs in our Toyota Camry.
 
Thanks, I'll give that a try. But I still prefer levers. ;)

My EXT is auto, but my Avalanche is levers.

I refer the auto.

I set the temp and let the system figure it out from there.

Less fuss and less muss.

But, that's just me.
 
Easy fix for the auto temp adjustment.

Buy a can of CRC - 2130 QD Plastic Safe Liquid Contact Cleaner, 11 oz Aerosol Can, Clear.

Grab the adjustment knob and pull straight off of the shaft.

Spray the cleaner down the shaft while turning the shaft back and forth.

I did this while the a/c in my EXT was on and running.

The spray will not harm anything.

I also used this method to fix the balky radio adjustment knobs in our Toyota Camry.
+1 on the CRC electronics spray technique, work perfectly for me.
 
Gave the CRC a try this evening and it seems to be working. Time will tell the next time I drive it. Thanks for the suggestion.👍
 
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