New radiator shutters and pops, see the video, strange

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 03:13 PM

I installed a new Napa radiator this past weekend in my 69 351W. Stange thing happened after it warmed up, the radiator started to shutter and pop like pressure was building internaly then relaeasing quickly. I had a wrench sitting on the radiator support and it moved the wrench when the pop happens. I have installed many radiators in my time but never seen this happen. It even happens with the radiator cap off!

Watch and listen to the video and let me know your ideas, possibly bad new radiator, partial blockage. The noise is not the engine, it's coming directly from the radiator, fan isnt hitting anything:

69 Mustang radiator problem - YouTube

wareagle · 12-20-2012, 03:15 PM

Sounds like something is trying to get out...

Does it keep popping immediately after you shut off the engine?

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wareagle

Sounds like something is trying to get out...

Does it keep popping immediately after you shut off the engine?

It keeps popping even after the engine is shut off, slows as it cools.

wareagle · 12-20-2012, 03:21 PM

I'd be taking that sucker back... Never heard of such.

Franks68coupe · 12-20-2012, 03:46 PM

Test your cap. Might not be holding the pressure correctly.

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franks68coupe

Test your cap. Might not be holding the pressure correctly.

It does the same thing with the cap on or off so i dont think it's the cap.

Franks68coupe · 12-20-2012, 03:52 PM

Something maybe partially blocking the outlet? If you drain it and take the hoses off, can you pass water through freely?

Side note... I know a really good old school car car in Bridgeport. My family lives there, I grew up there, my dad worked for him as a kid in his garage.

Blues Power · 12-20-2012, 04:10 PM

the car is clean so you know what your doing mechanically.

Can it be just the fan loose or one of the pulleys are off alignment

EDIT had a knock similiar to that but not as loud. after much looking around it ended up being a WP bearing.

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franks68coupe

Test your cap. Might not be holding the pressure correctly.

It does the same thing with the cap on or off so i dont think it's the cap.

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blues Power

the car is clean so you know what your doing mechanically.

Can it be just the fan loose or one of the pulleys are off alignment

EDIT had a knock similiar to that but not as loud. after much looking around it ended up being a WP bearing.

After it's fully warmed up, if I shut it off It will makes the same noise as it cools down.

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franks68coupe

Something maybe partially blocking the outlet? If you drain it and take the hoses off, can you pass water through freely?

Side note... I know a really good old school car car in Bridgeport. My family lives there, I grew up there, my dad worked for him as a kid in his garage.

Cool! What's the name of the garage? I know one in Bridgeport that's excellent, Maiers garage on Dewey street.

sanch052 · 12-20-2012, 05:21 PM

I'd return that radiator ASAP. I'm sure there's a reason why its making that noise, but it can't be good.

red390GT · 12-20-2012, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanch052

I'd return that radiator ASAP. I'm sure there's a reason why its making that noise, but it can't be good.

I just called Napa, they said stop by and swap it for another new one.

09Frank65 · 12-20-2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red390GT

I installed a new Napa radiator this past weekend in my 69 351W. Stange thing happened after it warmed up, the radiator started to shutter and pop like pressure was building internaly then relaeasing quickly. I had a wrench sitting on the radiator support and it moved the wrench when the pop happens. I have installed many radiators in my time but never seen this happen. It even happens with the radiator cap off!

Watch and listen to the video and let me know your ideas, possibly bad new radiator, partial blockage. The noise is not the engine, it's coming directly from the radiator, fan isnt hitting anything:
69 Mustang radiator problem - YouTube

When it pops does coolant flow from the overflow tube?

Sounds like thermal expansion (not the fluid, but the frame or core). If it doesn't discharge coolant I'd bet something broke loose and is springing back.

bartl · 12-20-2012, 11:07 PM

Sounds like trapped steam escaping...probably air pockets in the block.