Radiator #4

[Mike_The_Grad]

1972 c10 came original with 4 row radiator. Been able to keep it that way. But every single radiator I've put in has developed a leak. Original is long gone. The next was one from a friend that leaks, then bought a champion cooling 4 row all aluminum radiator. That one leaked in the first week. Sent it back. Got another one. That one lasted about a month, ran it anyways. I also switched to the dex cool at that time. After an accident, switched back to the donor radiator (copper/brass) still running dexcool. Finally saved up enough to buy a new copper/brass radiator. Ordered one through local rad shop. Northern brand copper brass 4 row radiator for my application. Was excited to finally not have a leaking radiator in my truck.

Well, that last about a month. I was still running dexcool in it. But the leak started around the transmission cooler port. I'm not using the internal transmission cooler. I have external setup. Radiator has 1 year warranty. Took it back to shop, they elected to fix it in house. So I left it with them. They had it for a day. Got it back, installed it, and drove it. A couple weeks go by. It leaks again. This time on passenger side header plate where tubes meet tank. So I took it back out, dropped it off and they had it for about 2 days while I did a cam swap. They called and said they didnt have enough time to fix it. Cant remember why, but told them I needed it back so I could use my truck.(only form of transportation at the time.) So I got the leaking radiator back. Installed it and ran it. Leaking real bad. Shooting coolant on alternator bad. So I got some jb weld waterweld and slapped a bunch on there. Called shop told them they said bring it back. Took it to them while they contacted company and told them the problem. Shop used some stuff called liquid glass to fix the leaks. They had to keep it for 2 days. The manufacturer was gonna a send new replacement but they were back ordered 2 weeks. So I installed the fixed radiator and drove it for the next couple of weeks. New radiator arrived. But damaged, thanks FEDEX. So had to wait another 10 days for new radiator. Shop pressure checked it and said it was good. Since then I've completely flushed my system, pulled block drain plugs, installed peacocks in block, installed valve on radiator drain. Switched to the green traditional coolant, put new 160° thermostat, new radiator cap, new water pump, new coolant over flow tank.

My question is, what else can I do to ensure I dont have any leaks at least that can be my fault. Meaning hold downs too tight or what not. I dunno, I'm just stressed out about the whole thing. I've gotten pretty good at getting the radiator in and out though. Lol. I'm running dual electric fans, I have new heater core and hoses. I have spring in lower rad hose. I have no obstructions in the system anywhere. I've done a full system flush, back flush, reverse flush, side flush, u name it I done it.

The shop thought I had leaking head gasket. So they did a running test on my system with a special chemical that uses engine vacuum to pull gases from cooling system through the tube. If the chemical changes from blue to yellow, then that means blow head gasket. After 2 minutes of running, no change in color. So no leaking head gasket. But they said system was building pressure some how. But with everything brand new. What on earth can be the reason now???