Help, I need a new radiator

tn2 · 03-26-2008, 02:26 PM

Can anyone lead me to a good place to buy a new radiator for 1978 Argosy with 454 engine. I've looked in the Mill Supply's catalog. They do list a radiator but it doesn't look anything like mine. I'm more concerned about getting the right one than I am with price.

HowieE · 03-26-2008, 02:36 PM

Any good radiator shop will be able to match it with a new unit or recore yours if the end caps are not the problem.

RadiatorExpress.com - radiators, auto radiators, car radiators, aluminum radiators, automotive radiators, automobile radiators, engine overheating, truck radiators, gas tanks, racing radiators, heater cores, condensers

They sell Modine radiators and should be able to match what you need

TomW · 03-26-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tn2

... I'm more concerned about getting the right one than I am with price.

I felt exactly the same six months ago when I wanted to replace the radiator servicing my 454. The radiator being replaced was one installed by me many years ago, but had relatively low mileage. I was bothered because it was an OEM replacement (AC-Delco) and, in my opinion, should have lasted longer.

Replacement radiators being made nowadays are not built to last.

I purchased one from Advance Auto with a lifetime warranty.

I fully expect to replace it in a few years. But it will cost me [my] labor only.

Tom

NevadaGeo · 03-26-2008, 03:51 PM

If possible, go with the bigger (or thicker) radiator choice. As your machine gets older, it will want more cooling power in the radiator. I had an old truck that over heated all the time, replaced rad with OEM, didn't help much. Put in the thicker model radiator, then the engine ran cold the rest of the years I had the truck.

tn2 · 03-26-2008, 04:30 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies. My problem with my old rad is just that it would leak every so slightly after the engine was completely warmed up. I figure the radiator is getting pretty old so I would just as soon put a new one in as to having this one fixed. All the places I have looked show radiators that are installed crossways.... my radiator is 36 by 21 and the 36 goes up and down,,,if you know what I mean. I've put in a question to RadiatorExpress maybe they will be able to help me.

Thanks again

HowieE · 03-26-2008, 04:37 PM

The position of the radiator won't made a difference just as long as you have the same or larger core and the pick up hose is connected to the bottom.

As long as you are getting a new radiator take this chance before you remove the old one to give the old girl a good flushing out with a radiator cleaner. That block has most likely got a bit of rust scale in it that should come out.

Also consider changing all hoses and if you have 80.000 miles the pump may be due and now would be an easy time to get at it.

bkahler · 03-26-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tn2

my radiator is 36 by 21 and the 36 goes up and down,,,if you know what I mean. I've put in a question to RadiatorExpress maybe they will be able to help me.

Thanks again

Something is not making sense here. I'm not doubting your radiator was mounted standing up rather than side ways, but I've seen a lot of P30 Chevy trucks/motorhomes before and everyone I have seen the radiator is mounted side ways. We have a 1974 Argosy 20' motorhome and although I got it without the radiator being mounted it definitely mounts side ways. Thats the way all the mounting hardware is laid out.

Makes me wonder who did what to your radiator and motorhome before you got it

Definitely let us know what you end up finding out!

Brad

tn2 · 03-26-2008, 08:22 PM

It's not a real good picture but this is how it looked before I took it out. To mountn one in there sidewise would take a degree in engineering. As hard as it came out.... I got a big fear about getting all the holes to line up when I reinstall. Can't imagine what it would take to mount something in there sideways. I really doibt if I could get two of any of the fittings, bolts....and hoses that need to be hooked up to line up.
I just noticed that I can't attach a picture with a quick reply....I'll send it in another post following this

tn2 · 03-26-2008, 08:26 PM

Here's my radiator. Now you guys got me worried thinking what kid of bastard case I have here

bkahler · 03-26-2008, 09:20 PM

tn2,

Its possible I spoke to soon. I just searched through my photo archives (I save every picture I can find on the web!) and found the following picture, it sure looks like your current setup.

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Here is the front of our 20' 1974 Argosy. It came with a 454 motor. I don't have any other pictures handy but from what I remember of the radiator cap opening was on the long side of the radiator.

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This is the only picture I have handy of the radiator that came with our Argosy. It fits inside of a frame. The frame looked like the one on the P30 Winnegabo that I replaced the radiator on.

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Any of this look familar?

Brad

QuietWater · 03-26-2008, 09:31 PM

Cool your worries, TN2, your radiator was installed correctly, or at least like most of the 28ft Argosy's. The water lines run vertically instead of the more common horizontal. Replacing it is probably a good idea if you can find one. If not, any radiator shop worth going to can repair the old one in as good as new condition. However, the difference in cost will be negligible. I'm sure someone here has replaced or repaired theirs.

bkahler · 03-26-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuietWater

Cool your worries, TN2, your radiator was installed correctly, or at least like most of the 28ft Argosy's. The water lines run vertically instead of the more common horizontal. Replacing it is probably a good idea if you can find one. If not, any radiator shop worth going to can repair the old one in as good as new condition. However, the difference in cost will be negligible. I'm sure someone here has replaced or repaired theirs.

Wow! I wonder why GM used different mounting methods? When I get home next week I'm going to have to look closer at my radiator and see if I can see how it was mounted.

tn2, any chance of getting more pictures of the front of your Argosy with and without the radiator? Reference pictures would sure help me out

.

Thanks!

Brad

QuietWater · 03-26-2008, 09:55 PM

If you haven't read the thread "Radiator Blues" that is listed down below the Quick Reply box, do so. It has a wealth of information on removal, repair, replacement, installation, and other cooling issues, like the oil and transmission coolers.

bkahler · 03-26-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuietWater

If you haven't read the thread "Radiator Blues" that is listed down below the Quick Reply box, do so. It has a wealth of information on removal, repair, replacement, installation, and other cooling issues, like the oil and transmission coolers.

Thanks for pointing out the link. I did find the following posted by PeterH-79MH :

"When I was looking, a radiator place (nationwide) told me they had it in stock: 1979 P30 Motorhome
I went to get it and everything was backwards. Same size but all the hose connections were reversed and filler cap was on top, unreachable in my situation. Made me think they made a special run for a few years."

I'm hoping more Argosy motorhome owners chime in here. I'd like to know if all Argosy's had their radiators mounted standing up or laying on its side.

Thanks!

Bad