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MrJ · 02-08-2012, 10:48 AM

I have a 76 Argosy MH with a 454 in it. I need a new radiator. I'm having issues finding one. Before I get one I need to make sure what I have is correct or if it has been rigged.

Does the attached picture look correct?

Any suggestions on a where to get a new one. I've read all the posts and searched the Inet for hours. Nothing concrete. I do have 1 vendor working on it.

Thanks,
Jason

Minno · 02-08-2012, 10:57 AM

With the bracket attached to the fill spout, I would guess it's original. But, that's really just a guess.

Have you tried a radiator shop? They should be able to pull the radiator and install a new core in between the tanks, assuming that the tanks are still good. The top tank in the picture looks like its a metal tank that could have a new core soldered to it. You could save a good chunk of money if you pull the radiator out yourself, if you want to tackle that job that is.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Chris

Inland RV Center, In · 02-08-2012, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

I have a 76 Argosy MH with a 454 in it. I need a new radiator. I'm having issues finding one. Before I get one I need to make sure what I have is correct or if it has been rigged.

Does the attached picture look correct?

Any suggestions on a where to get a new one. I've read all the posts and searched the Inet for hours. Nothing concrete. I do have 1 vendor working on it.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason.

You should be able to get the radiator recored.

When you reinstall it, move the transmission oli cooler away from the front of the radiator.

You can locate it behind the bumper.

Why cool the transmission oil, and put all that extra heat back into the radiator?

Andy

MrJ · 02-08-2012, 11:05 AM

I think it's leaking at the top.

Is re-coring a temporary fix?

I'm going to pull it out myself. JOY! Front is off the MH. (2 day job)

345bill · 02-08-2012, 01:05 PM

Yours looks like it has a new hose at the fill spout and the picture shows it was leaking in that area but even if it is leaking where the nipple goes into top tank they can easily repair that when re-coring. When you bring the old one to the shop they'll show you what will be changed to make it as a new one.

Since many of these are unique to each different model/year re-coring is your best option in my opinion.

dadstoy · 02-08-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

I have a 76 Argosy MH with a 454 in it. I need a new radiator. I'm having issues finding one. Before I get one I need to make sure what I have is correct or if it has been rigged.

Does the attached picture look correct?

Any suggestions on a where to get a new one. I've read all the posts and searched the Inet for hours. Nothing concrete. I do have 1 vendor working on it.

Thanks,
Jason

This is the same as my AS 280 '82

r carl · 02-08-2012, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ

I think it's leaking at the top.

Is re-coring a temporary fix?

I'm going to pull it out myself. JOY! Front is off the MH. (2 day job)

Re-coring will restore to as new condition if they use a core made in the USA.

MrJ · 02-11-2012, 11:17 AM

I struck out. I'm going to take it to a local shop and have them fix it.

Would it be better to tell them to re-core it or "fix" it? I think the top tank leaks.. If there is scale/lime build up can they chemically clean and make it new? Or is it best to get a new core?

I don't want to be in the middle of Wyoming and lose the radiator.

FreshAir · 02-11-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Jason.

You should be able to get the radiator recored.

When you reinstall it, move the transmission oli cooler away from the front of the radiator.

You can locate it behind the bumper.

Why cool the transmission oil, and put all that extra heat back into the radiator?

Andy

That has always been my question! Not much room in a Buick to do that but I'm considering relocating mine.
Neil

FreshAir · 02-11-2012, 01:07 PM

I had another radiator built for both my convertible and pickup. A 4 row for the convertible and a high effecient core in the truck. If your radiator has to be taken out ask if such an upgrade will work. The cooling differences in mine were WELL worth it.

Neil

howco · 02-11-2012, 01:11 PM

the top and bottom tanks are solid brass and don't really wear out, a decent radiator shop will remove the core and install a new one between the top and bottom tanks and hand it back to you.
I also agree with the advice on buying a new transmission oil cooler and remounting it away from the radiator.........

Inland RV Center, In · 02-11-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshAir

That has always been my question! Not much room in a Buick to do that but I'm considering relocating mine.
Neil

Just so the cooler can get some ram air.

Andy

68 TWind · 02-11-2012, 02:49 PM

Even if it is only leaking at the top, have it re-cored while you have it out. A good radiator shop will hand you back a radiator as good as new. Ask your local mechanic where he sends stuff. Ask several if you can. The last thing a mechanic wants to do is to have to do a job over and if they are happy with the work of "Acme" radiator shop I would go with that. If you don't have a mechanic, ask the counter guys at your local NAPA store. These guys know all the shops in town and should be happy to point you in the direction of a good shop.

MrJ · 02-28-2012, 11:10 PM

Thanks for the help. I had it re-cored. It was the only option. Should be good as new I'm told. Ac condenser had a hole, that's fixed.. I should be good $450 later... Price sucks but I feel better about not getting stuck and overheating. I'm putting a 180 thermostat in there now.