So this weekend I was lucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was a really windy day and while driving down my road, an old tree fell right in front of me. The tree wasn't huge and it was dead but I didn't have time to get out of the way. Well I creamed the tree but I wanted to make sure nothing happened. So I quickly pulled over and saw that I had a branch sticking out of my wheel well (somehow) and a branch sticking out of my grill. The one in the wheel well did nothing but the branch in my grill put two nice cuts in my radiator. Since then I have monitored my coolant level and temp. My coolant is not leaking, and if anything is high but my truck is running hotter than usual. My truck usually runs around 180 but now it runs around 190. I know it may be a small change but it is a direct result of the accident. Do I need to replace my radiator or should I pull out the small chunk still in there and use some stop leak. Thanks!

By the way,
The truck is a 99 Silverado Z71 LS 5.3 4x4

 

Well if there is a piece still in there in might be obstructing coolant flow. Although there are dozens of fins around it so it shouldn't be making that much of a problem. Might check to make sure nothing messed up your cooling fans though. Do you have electric cooling fans or a clutch fan? Either way I'd check to make sure they are still coming on and the fan blades don't have any broken pieces on them.

 

The tree hit me at an angle and the branch came in at an angle though the spaces in my grill. The fans and grill came out unscathed. I assume that by removing the wood chunk from my radiator, I would cause a leak. I thought I posted pictures but apparently not. I will try to get some up soon. Thanks for the advice 72.

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Looks like you where pretty lucky!!

 

AHH MAN! That sux dude. Never mind what I said than, the problem is definately due to your radiator. I'd just plan on getting a new one. Although if there's still snow stacked up around you like in your avatar, it probably will be fine for a couple more months.

 

Yea the temps are still pretty cool around here. Although I start towing a boat soon so I think I'll try and swap a new one in this weekend. Thanks for the help guys.