I'm with the other guys on this, buy a stock one, or a performance one, if you feel the need. 
Z06 rad cracked..options?
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: ontario
Z06 rad cracked..options?
Hi guys,, been noticing a slight coolant smell for a couple of days now, and finally found a leak. Its just 1 inch infront of the upper rad hose on the side of the rad, on the plastic tank. Theres a hairline crack that i can see now that collant is dripping from it. My question is can this be plastic welded? Or can the side tank be replaced without a recore? The rad otherwise looks mint. I dont understand how this could have happened. Should i try the stop leak stuff? Bringing a car to any rad shop is just asking to get screwed...The car has a manual tranny,,,cheers!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Oceanside California
Does it always leak or just when its running and there is pressure in the system? If it doesn't leak when the car is off, you can dry it and use an epoxy to attempt to seal the area. Give it plenty of time to cure, and run the car and look for leaks.
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Sounds like good advice.
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buy a new one less than $200 or a dewitts and replace it...the thing is 9 years old..
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Heel & Toe
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From: ontario
Ok!! Well, the leak is on the very top, and it doesnt leak when cold.. I could try the epoxy i guess, i just have to pull off the upper hose and i can get to it from there with my finger. I can actually try to seal it from the inside...and if thats a no-go,,, i guess an aftermarket rad will do just fine!..thanks
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if you get an aftermarket, try to find something made in the USA or Japan. the china rads i've seen for various cars, unless they are solid aluminum have some pretty cheesy crimps on the plastic tanks. does koyo or any big brand like that make an aftermarket rad? their stuff is a direct oem copy in most cases
my personal vote is with dewitts, griffin etc. quality is outstanding and you never worry on a road trip through the desert or on a track day
my personal vote is with dewitts, griffin etc. quality is outstanding and you never worry on a road trip through the desert or on a track day
Melting Slicks
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From: Oceanside California
Ok!! Well, the leak is on the very top, and it doesnt leak when cold.. I could try the epoxy i guess, i just have to pull off the upper hose and i can get to it from there with my finger. I can actually try to seal it from the inside...and if thats a no-go,,, i guess an aftermarket rad will do just fine!..thanks
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Racer
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From: Barstow Ca
Well I found out today that I also have a crack in the same place. I was going to big bear and going up the hill when i got to 239 degrees. It climbed to 252 and i pulled over. I let it cool down then I went back down the hill and went home. I checked it out and a hairline crack in the top on the plastic end. I think I'm going to get an alluminum radiator for it. I wouldn't mess with trying to epoxy it. I tried to do that on my surge tank and a day later it would be leaking again. I just replaced it. If it isn't one thing its another. I really hate the newer cars with the plastic ends on the rads.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
I just had the exact same hairline crack develop on mine the other week! What a way to return from a deployment. I considered epoxy myself but was told to try and plastic weld the crack. Bought a kit at Harbor Freight and gave it a try. The leak improved, but did not hold under pressue. I agree with having the peace of mind and ordered a stock replacement. An aluminum rad is out of my reach right now.
Racer
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From: Brunswick Georgia
yes i just did On my c5 saturday, because i had to drive 350 miles to atlanta on sunday. it had three pin holes from my nitrous nozzle being to close i removed it because i now have a plate. i use jb weld the quick one that cures in 15 hours sets it 6 hours, rated to 2400 psi. but in 5 mins it was dry. i brought the weld and more fluid with me i didnt have to use either.700 miles later and nothing. i did run about 80ish the whole way.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: College Station Texas
This recently happened to me as well. Crack in the same exact place. It wouldn't leak while driving but once I stopped it was like a flood. After searching the net like crazy I ended up picking up a radiator from oreilly's and of course it is the wrong one. The radiator was about $200 bucks so I was happy until I found out that the right side of some of the aftermarket ones said they fit my 2002 A4 but in fact did not. I ended up finding one oem from a chevy dealer for 5 bills after calling 20 or 25 dealerships in the state of Texas. But it slipped right in after some finessing and now it runs like a champ. In my opinion just find an oem one online or at a dealer or spend a little more and get the dewitts. I would have done this but only had a day before I had to get back on the road so was in a bit of a time crunch. Sorry that it happened to you too though!
