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Radiator question

Tiny
DAVIDG32
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
The radiator sprang a leak in the plastic around the upper hose outlet on my car, so I got on eBay and bought a new radiator. It got here, and I noticed it had an extra "hole" on the front side, and found out that some cars have a coolant level sensor gauge there. Alas, mine does not and I had a devil of a time getting the radiator to fit. But I wonder, the extra "hole" (for want of a better word) came with a plug in it, and I zip-tied the side grasps to (hopefully) keep the pressure from popping the plug out. But I would sure like to have a better way to seal up that "extra" hole. If I bought a coolant level sensor gauge to go in there and inserted it, and just did not even worry about hooking it up. Would it hold, and not start leaking? I want to get another 15,000 miles or so out of this old car, but I sure do not want to fool with the radiator anymore. Any advice, suggestions you can offer are greatly appreciated.
Warm regards.
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2017 AT 9:40 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If the hole has threads just by a plug and put sealant around it and screw it in. If the sensor does not have threads then it may have rubber piece around it and slip in maybe a clip to hold it, but some do not.
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2017 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,452 POSTS
You could buy the level sender but they are not cheap. The plug should have a couple o-rings on it and just snap in, that is how the sensor connects as well, the snout goes into the hole and the o-rings seal it, two ears clip it in place.
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2017 AT 1:00 PM

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