Radiator Leak Options

[DcDegallier]

So, I have a hairline crack on my radiator, just to the left of the cap on top. Is this fixable? Was steaming like crazy this morning and found it to be cracked... can I fiberglass it? Or do I need a new radiator... how much is the whole thing?

[Tigawoods]

had this problem a year or so ago. Tried to fix it with a JB Weld patch as a few had suggested. No Luck.

Just replace the radiator. Id go aftermarket aluminum. Mishimoto, Godspeed, Koyo.

At least if one of those were to crack, they can just be welded.

[DcDegallier]

Yeah, being that it's plastic, I thought maybe fiberglass.

How much do those run for? Have a link by chance?

[lagos]

You can't patch it. Its under too much pressure and heat to be fixed with some type of patch.
Look up radiators on ebay. You can get a cheap oem replacement, or upgrade to a full aluminum depending on your budget.

[DcDegallier]

Ok, looks like I'll start shopping.

Any specific ones to stay away from? Used a bad option?

Also, can I drive it on short trips as long as the temp doesn't get too high? Or will I risk blowing something up.

[Tigawoods]

I havent heard bad things of any of the aluminum brands Mishimoto Koyo or Godspeed.
Im not sure about the OEM ebay replacements.

you can, but I wouldnt recommend it. Itll make a mess of your engine bay

[ILoveMySilly97]

I wished I would've replaced mine with an all aluminum one....

[Box]

I was able to patch mine with liquid epoxy. There're actual radiator repair kits out as well. Could also plastic weld it, which is what a repair shop would do. If you're keeping the car OEM and aren't going to run forced induction or swapping out the engine then there's no need to use anything other than the OEM radiator.

This post has been edited by Box: Jul 29, 2013 - 11:57 PM

[DcDegallier]

I wished I would've replaced mine with an all aluminum one....

Did a repair fail, or why?

I was able to patch mine with liquid epoxy. There're actual radiator repair kits out as well. Could also plastic weld it, which is what a repair shop would do. If you're keeping the car OEM and aren't going to run forced induction or swapping out the engine then there's no need to use anything other than the OEM radiator.

I might as well try a patch before I rip it out and replace it. Is there a high temp epoxy that you used? Or the normal stuff from the hardware store.

[lagos]

Dude, you can buy a new one for under 100 bucks on ebay.
The repair will fail. Its only a matter of time and you'll be wasting money on kits or glues that could go towards your radiator.

[DcDegallier]

Dude, you can buy a new one for under 100 bucks on ebay.
The repair will fail. Its only a matter of time and you'll be wasting money on kits or glues that could go towards your radiator.

Point.

Do I need to worry about getting one with some crazy political cap, or one that won't mount my fans? Most the ones on ebay don't have dimensions for those things...

[Box]

You can buy epoxy for $5 though, if it's not leaking that bad it could last for another year or more. I haven't had any issues whatsoever since repairing mine. I think I ended up using marine grade liquid epoxy.