Very Old New Parts

Lin · April 27, 2009, 08:17:36 PM

I came across a guy with some very old parts. He says they were new when he got them, but that was 20 years ago. Since then, they have been in interior storage. Do you think things like a radiator and Allison transmission would still be usable after that long?

JohnEd · April 27, 2009, 08:26:39 PM

Lin,

Yes! Absolutely YES....maybe. The tranny being dry all that time may have some stuck O rings. I would replace the input and output seals and use it but I have no experience to back that up. Maybe others have faced this. On assy all tx parts are dipped in oil....would that prevent rust formation for 20 years....only "maybe" if it was not allowed to get very cold. Was the storage heated? You can have DD/Alison dyno test the tx for an authoritative no nonsense Yes/no. Even before the seal change.

The radiator is PERFECT! Maybe! depends if it started perfect. There isn't anything inside that will rust.

quantum500 · April 27, 2009, 09:27:11 PM

Remember it does not rust every where. Out west in our arid climate things can be stored indefinitely with out rust. I would be more worried about furry friends and insects causing problems than rust. Mouse nest in the radiator and plugged oil lines could be bad. Sometimes time itself is worse than any wear and tear could be. Check them out good.

Lin · April 28, 2009, 09:45:46 AM

About what does it cost to dyno test a transmission?

gus · April 28, 2009, 08:21:07 PM

Used radiators tend to corrode badly when left dry. When filled with anti-freeze mix they seem to last forever.

I won't buy one that has been left dry.

If new they will last forever.

JohnEd · April 28, 2009, 11:32:10 PM

I have installed many rads in my time on Planet Earth. None ever came "wet". Not trying to start a fight, now. Anybody else ever get one delivered wet?

John

kyle4501 · April 29, 2009, 05:26:35 AM

Quote from: JohnEd on April 28, 2009, 11:32:10 PM
I have installed many rads in my time on Planet Earth. None ever came "wet". Not trying to start a fight, now. Anybody else ever get one delivered wet?

John

Me thinks the key word was used.
Antifreeze has stuff in it that is sacrificed to combat the nasties that occur while in use. If simply drained & allowed to dry, the nasties can continue to corrode the metal.
When removing a used radiator for storage, I was taught to wash it inside & out.

The original post was talking about 'claimed' new old stock, so the potential buyer should examine/ test the radiator before purchase.

Definitions can be different for different people. . . .
Some will call a part 'new' when they sell it because they only used it for 3 months .
A used car salesman may use words like 'mild oxidation' to describe what I'd call rust holes . . . .

YMMV