Radiator replacement?

Tiny
JODYRDMS
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
I had the engine coolant outlet gasket and a hose replaced. The radiator is 5 years old. When they were pressure testing the system the top of the radiator blew off, could the mechanic have over pressurized the system, to cause the top to blow off?
Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 3:56 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

When they do a pressure test, they usually go about 2 pounds over the cap release pressure to be sure the radiator cap is good.

It could have been a bad clamp or loose clamp the made it release.

Did it damage the radiator?

Roy
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
JODYRDMS
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Yes it destroyed the radiator, they said the "top" of the radiator blew off. They were going to charge me $500.00. The repair they had completed was $400.00. I am retired, I told them I didn't have $900.00. They had to replace 2 or 3 hoses. I walked out paying $675.00. I did not give them a hard time about it. I kind of feel like they were accepting some responsibility, when they lowered the price so much. Or maybe it was the Spirit of Christmas.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
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I am glad they helped you. They had to over pressure the system for that happen.

Roy
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
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Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
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You as well.

Roy
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Sunday, December 15th, 2019 AT 1:12 AM
Tiny
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I emailed the repair shop that did the repairs and said that the technician had to have over pressurized the system for the top to blow off. I stated that I don't think I should have been charged for damage caused by the Technician. I appreciate your help. Rita
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Monday, December 16th, 2019 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Let me know what they say.

Roy
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Monday, December 16th, 2019 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
JODYRDMS
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I spoke with the "young" lady who told me the top of the radiator had blown off. I went to the shop today to look at the radiator. There was no top to blow off, poor choice of words. The plastic outlet on the driver side of the radiator broke. They told me today that they were not able to hold the pressure. The plastic outlet may have been cracked, it wasn't a single part to replace, it was part of the radiator. They made sure I was satisfied I had not been taken advantage of. I have used this shop for a couple of repairs previously. They want the repeat business. I appreciate all your help. Rita
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Nice.

It is nice to hear that there are some shops that take the time and explain their reasons for what they did.

Roy
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 AT 12:32 PM

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