5ktq radiator repair?

[Steve Jensen]

Earlier, Steve inquired
> My '86 5ktqw is apparently tired of it's radiator and wants something done
> about it. The seams are starting to split right by the upper rad hose...

Replace.  To repair the plastic version is throwing good money after bad.

Plastic seems to fail abruptly by splitting a seam - mine did that too on
the sedan - and the metal ones will give you warning by weeping first.  I
would have metal Modines in both if I could afford it, right now the sedan
has plastic and the TQW has metal.

Oh, and replace the hoses, thermostat and rad. fan switch while you are at
it.  Be prepared for sticker shock on the upper three way hose, list is $70
(!) but Carlsen can get a good aftermarket for half that.  And replace the
coolant expansion tank and cap, may as well do the whole shebang according
to Huw's Law of Ancillary Part Failure (related parts on same system will
fail if you don't get 'em at the same time as initial failed item).  Huw,
did I get that right?

-Steve Jensen
87 5kcstq
87 5kcstqw