Radiator repair question

Maritime

Maritime

Over 10,000 Posts
Ok, this is not bike related so I am asking in the lounge. My 98 Civic has been leaking coolant for the last 3-4 months. I could not seem to figure out where, so tonight I pulled into the garage, let it run until it was hot, then watched. There is a hairline crack in the top, which is plastic not metal, and I was wondering if there is any kind of epoxy or sealant that I could use to fix it. The rest of the Rad is fine. It just starts pissing out the crack when it hits hot enough for the fan to kick in. Would JB weld hold up if I let it cool and clean the area well first? Or is there something else? Any help would be appreciated. I am going to google it. I know if it was metal I could have it welded or braised. but plastic?

Cheers

Maritime
 
I'm no expert, but based on past experience, anything you try to seal it with will likely not hold for long if at all.
An option to replacing the whole radiator is bring it to a radiator shop and see if they can replace the plastic tanks. That's generally cheaper.
 
Thanks redbird. A new rad is only 80 bucks so I should just get one. The bloody car is almost air cooled, the rad only kicks in on hot days and after a long drive. I decided to try JB weld and see if it holds. if not I will go pick up a rad and change it this weekend. I was thinking it was going to be more expensive to get a new one.

Cheers,

maritime
 
I see it all the time (I work in a parts store). You need a new radiator. You can try to bandaid it won't last, if it works at all. Civic radiators are cheap and not hard to change.

edit: I just looked it up. Your radiator should be $80-100 US


edit again: took too long
 
Cool, I washed it, then wiped the spot with acetone to get any residue, put the weld to it and we'll see how it works. Since the rest of the rad is good I hope the weld holds. Shame to replace it for a small crack in the plastic.
 
Thanks Lingo, I did the same. I might just go to Napa in Maine next time I am there and pick one up, and new hoses. I don't need the rad for the winter as it will never get hot enough, but I need the coolant in the system for the heater core to work, I don't want to freeze. I was thinking it was going to be 2-300. Don't know why the rad is like 1.5' x 2' if that big.
 
Musowi said:
JB Weld? should last fine if you do the proper prep work for it.
Click to expand...
The problem is the expansion/contraction on the repair when the system pressurizes/depressurizes. It doesn't last.
 
The JB might last for a little while, but dont forget, cooling systems keep the coolant under pressure...usually in the 13-16 psi range. That coupled with expansion/contraction due to heating and cooling. Radiators are cheap for those cars. Do the job right the first time...it'll save you headaches in the long run.
 
Thanks guys. If I buy the rad here it is retarded expensive, but if I drive 15 mins into the USA I can get one for 80 so I will head over on the weekend and pick one up, I will also get the hoses and some rad flush and clean the whole system. It just sucks that the only issue is the hairline crack.
 
Plastic radiators are a pain. The BMW forums recommend replacing the entire cooling system after 5 years with aluminum replacements.
 
Car has 192K miles on it and original rad so I am ok with a new one. Found one in Houlton for 64 bucks so I will head over to Maine tonight and get it, gas and everything else that is cheaper there. If I remember to bring the jerry can I will save almost the cost of the radiator in gas, milk and chicken over what it costs here. It is 15 minute drive from my house. I wish there was no tax and duty on the beer because I could save huge there. I can sometimes get through with a six pack duty free.
 
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