Crack in radiator left side.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 17
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Crack in radiator left side.
Went for a ride tonight when I got home I noticed a little coolant around where the top radiator hose goes into the radiator. The plastic tank right on the top has a small crack can this be fixed or should I start thinking new radiator. If you find a good radiator shop can they replace the plastic tanks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
My 2001 radiator did this 2 months ago. I decided to replace with new. Rock auto has a variety of repalcement radiators. I went with the AC Delco stock replacement a little over 200.00 dollars.
I think they can replace the plastic tanks, but the original lasted 16 years and that is why I just went with new. If your car is a 6 speed the price is cheaper than the one for my A4.
I think they can replace the plastic tanks, but the original lasted 16 years and that is why I just went with new. If your car is a 6 speed the price is cheaper than the one for my A4.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I had the same problem,a leak in the upper left plastic. I replaced with a stock part since it is part of a system, and is light. I didn't want to change the original design, since the aftermarket stuff weighs more and would create a different operating result.
While most things can be fixed, plastic in a high heat and pressure situation would test my abilities for plastic repair, if I had a bunch, which I don't . PLastic can be welded, bonded , or patched mechanically. It also gets old and brittle. My temps went down about 5 degrees with the new part. What can I say, cleanliness is next to godliness.
While most things can be fixed, plastic in a high heat and pressure situation would test my abilities for plastic repair, if I had a bunch, which I don't . PLastic can be welded, bonded , or patched mechanically. It also gets old and brittle. My temps went down about 5 degrees with the new part. What can I say, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Last edited by strand rider; Jul 21, 2017 at 04:17 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
You have to go to all of the work to get the radiator out just to take it to a radiator shop (I wouldn't take the car and let them do the removal). Since that is done and a repair is going to run you at least $100 why not pop for new?
If you want something better then you could go for an aluminum racing radiator like a DeWitts or Ron Davis unit and not worry about oil or coolant temps again. However, that would probably cost you at least 2.5 times as much as a stock replacement from one of the low cost suppliers of GM parts. If you track the car go for the racing radiator if you don't go for the stock replacement.
Bill
If you want something better then you could go for an aluminum racing radiator like a DeWitts or Ron Davis unit and not worry about oil or coolant temps again. However, that would probably cost you at least 2.5 times as much as a stock replacement from one of the low cost suppliers of GM parts. If you track the car go for the racing radiator if you don't go for the stock replacement.
Bill
