first post here.. I have been having some problems with coolant leaking out of the top of my radiator by the hose to discover the hose had a tear in it. I ended up putting in a new hose to find out I am still getting a leak. I ended up doing a flush and putting on 2 new hoses but fluid is still leaking out which is a rusty brown/orange color. I am convinved that I just need to put in a new radiator since there is probably some small cracks where the hose meets that I can not see. If I just get a copper replacement from Ecklers, how difficult an install am i getting into? Is it as easy as just unbolting the old one taking off the fan shroud and than dropping the new one in? btw.. i have a 68 with a 327.

 

It's just about that easy. Unbolt and bolt in new one. See if You have a local radiator shop to get that new radiator. That way if You have a problem, You can get it exchanged right away.

 

Test your coolant cap too. If it won't hold the pressure advertised, then replace it. Did you do the flush yourself aka by the drain at the bottom of the radiator? If so, the rusty discolored fluid could be from the block and heater core.

 

If it's coming out of the top hose, the top hose is a pressure valve so that if the pressure gets too high the radiator wont explode. The top hose only serves that purpose, it's a drainage hose to drain the excess when the pressure gets too hig. I had the same problem on my Impala. I think rad caps are generally good for about 8 psi, and if the spring gets worn out it'll drain your fluid at too low pressure. Check your rad cap.