The Leaking Radiator Story

unit731 · November 17, 2007

This was a few years ago. Maybe many years ago.

My neighbor had a Chevy RWD no window van. Looked in pretty good shape. A few years old.

He came to me one day and asked if I knew anything about water pumps and radiators. I went and looked. Yes, he had a leak someplace. This could have been before aluminum radiators, not sure.

So I asked him how many miles on odometer. His answer: 425,000 ! I asked if it was the original radiator. His answer was 'yes'. The orginal engine. His answer was 'yes'.

This guy had an interesting job. He was an independent contractor who had contracts with the airlines to deliver 'missing' luggage. Every night he drove 100 miles to airport, filled his van, and made a circular route to bring him back here. He did a lot of driving. He worked 7 days a week.

I have never heard of anyone getting that many miles out of an original engine. He may have replaced the automatic transmission. I can't remember.

He solved the leaking problem with a replacement radiator.

MS3DALE · November 17, 2007

Man,I'm gonna' be happy just to hit 250,000 miles on my Corsica.

I don't think I'll see 425,000.

Although if I hit 300,000 miles Zembonez is going to try and talk GM into giving me a free Impala!!

Zembonez · November 17, 2007

Man,I'm gonna' be happy just to hit 250,000 miles on my Corsica.
I don't think I'll see 425,000.

Although if I hit 300,000 miles Zembonez is going to try and talk GM into giving me a free Impala!!

One of our parts delivery guys drives a 99 Sierra Excab with the 5.3. It has almost 400,000 miles on it and the 5.3 is original and never had the heads off. Trans has been replaced once as well have a few fuel pumps but he still drives it every day many miles. I can get a pic of the truck and the odometer if you guys aren't buying it.

I would have never believed it if I didn't see it myself. I wonder how long it will go?

I don't think it is normal but it is exceptional.

s-ten · November 17, 2007

I never really doubted that these trucks/cars could put that many miles on with proper maintenance. In most cases though it just takes the normal person too long and the vehicle just starts falling apart because of time more then miles. My dad had a '79 Riviera that he put 300,000 miles on the original engine and it still ran good when he gave it away in '99.