Radiator Repair, is it feasable?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 12
From: Rutherfordton NC
St. Jude Donor '10
Radiator Repair, is it feasable?
My radiator is cracked and leaking on the drivers side plastic tank. You can see the crack on the top. I have looked at new ones, and unfortunately the Dewitt is out of the question at its $550+ price. I talked with the local radiator shop and he told me he could replace the tank that is leaking for less than $100. Is this a safe fix, have any of you guys replaced tanks and if so, how did they turn out?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 393
From: Stoney Creek Ontario
A good rad shop can replace the plastic side tanks no prob, they're usually just a crimp on dealy with a gasket between. If the price includes labour, sounds reasonable....but I'd probably get a new rad if it's only a hundred or two more....
Last edited by dankhts; Jul 13, 2007 at 03:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 12
From: Rutherfordton NC
St. Jude Donor '10
No, I don't need an aftermarket. The OEM is fine, the local parts store is somewhere in the $250 range. I have found them on Ebay for $149 + $25 shipping, but I am very scepticle of a lot of ebay stuff like that. Its just the drivers side that is cracked and you can see it right on top of the tank.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
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From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I have had plastic tanks replaced in other cars and they never gave any problems, but I would check the fins and if they are damaged I would just spend the extra dough and get a new one.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
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From: Big Red Ne
My radiator is cracked and leaking on the drivers side plastic tank. You can see the crack on the top. I have looked at new ones, and unfortunately the Dewitt is out of the question at its $550+ price. I talked with the local radiator shop and he told me he could replace the tank that is leaking for less than $100. Is this a safe fix, have any of you guys replaced tanks and if so, how did they turn out?
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Tech Contributor
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
My radiator is cracked and leaking on the drivers side plastic tank. You can see the crack on the top. I have looked at new ones, and unfortunately the Dewitt is out of the question at its $550+ price. I talked with the local radiator shop and he told me he could replace the tank that is leaking for less than $100. Is this a safe fix, have any of you guys replaced tanks and if so, how did they turn out?
Bill
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From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I have a great condition, used one I got from a tuner that did an upgrade on the car. only 400 miles on the radiator...it is boxed and ready to go. I have pics if you are interested email me @ jgira12@yahoo.com
will sell at a reasonable price.
will sell at a reasonable price.
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The price from the local shop doesn't sound too bad.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I gave up on getting radiators repaired a long time ago.
IF you replace the tank it might last awhile, but the other tank is also likely to fail.
Most of the labor is getting the radiator out and back in. I would just get a new radiator.
IF you replace the tank it might last awhile, but the other tank is also likely to fail.
Most of the labor is getting the radiator out and back in. I would just get a new radiator.