Crack in radiator
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Crack in radiator
I noticed some smoke/steam coming from under my hood today, and when I checked, there was coolant beading up on the top of the radiator. There is a hairline crack, about 3 inches long, along the top pipe of the radiator. My car is at my mechanic now to be looked at in the morning, but I was wondering if this is something that could just be patched instead of replaced? I really don't have the money to replace it if it doesn't need it, and I know radiators are expensive. For a hairline crack is there anyway they could glue it or seal it shut? I only plan on having the car for another year and then will be trading it in to a dealer when I purchase a new car next september, so I'm really only worried about the car lasting me another year and 12k miles. Thanks for your help.
Kevin
92 ES
Kevin
92 ES
#2
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whats up man, one of my best friends has a 95 SC300, he had the same problem. All he did to fix it was, use JB Weld to patch it up, its only like 10 bucks for a tube. Hes been fine for about 7 months now. keep in mind i wouldnt use it as a permanent solution but, if you wanna put it off for a few month its def. the way to go!
#3
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I recently had my radiator crack on me and the dealership wanted almost $500 for a replacement..So after using the search feature on CL I found a company that not only delived my new radiator the next day but it was only $168.00 with a lifetime warranty..I changed it myself which wasn't very hard and it took a little under 2hrs..Heres the link to the site where I bough my radiator..
http://www.auto-car-radiators.com/cg...21104385119.e0
The fittament was excellent and my car is running much better and cooler..When you do change your radiator spend the extra couple of dollars and buy the toyota red coolant, your saving enough on the radiator itself....
Hope this helps..
http://www.auto-car-radiators.com/cg...21104385119.e0
The fittament was excellent and my car is running much better and cooler..When you do change your radiator spend the extra couple of dollars and buy the toyota red coolant, your saving enough on the radiator itself....
Hope this helps..
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tiguy99 (03-13-20)
#5
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Originally posted by HarrierAWD
Take it to a metal shop and have it welded. Cracked manifold and exhaust pipe can be fixed this way as well. Economical and durable.
Take it to a metal shop and have it welded. Cracked manifold and exhaust pipe can be fixed this way as well. Economical and durable.
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tiguy99 (03-13-20)
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Thanks for the help guys, I ended up just going for the radiator replacement, since it was only $200 total for parts and labor. Now I have a metal pipe on top instead of a plastic one like before.
#7
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Originally posted by skeemer
Thanks for the help guys, I ended up just going for the radiator replacement, since it was only $200 total for parts and labor. Now I have a metal pipe on top instead of a plastic one like before.
Thanks for the help guys, I ended up just going for the radiator replacement, since it was only $200 total for parts and labor. Now I have a metal pipe on top instead of a plastic one like before.
Last edited by johnee78; 09-23-04 at 10:04 AM.
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
Originally posted by johnee78
I'm glad to see that you took the smarter route and replaced it instead of trying to fix it....
I'm glad to see that you took the smarter route and replaced it instead of trying to fix it....
#9
Lexus Champion
Originally posted by johnee78
would you really want to try to weld a plastic radiator..because the part that is cracked is made of plastic which is why they crack..Why chance overheating your engine when it can be solved for less than $200 ..???
would you really want to try to weld a plastic radiator..because the part that is cracked is made of plastic which is why they crack..Why chance overheating your engine when it can be solved for less than $200 ..???
Welding is common practice in fixing small leaks in automobiles. Of course replacing the whole thing gives peace of mind.
#10
Lexus Champion
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Originally posted by HarrierAWD
You might have confused the radiator with the coolant reservoir. The radiator is made of metal (iron and aluminum in most cases.) The reservoir is made of plastic.
Welding is common practice in fixing small leaks in automobiles. Of course replacing the whole thing gives peace of mind.
You might have confused the radiator with the coolant reservoir. The radiator is made of metal (iron and aluminum in most cases.) The reservoir is made of plastic.
Welding is common practice in fixing small leaks in automobiles. Of course replacing the whole thing gives peace of mind.
#11
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Originally posted by johnee78
I am very aware of the differences between the coolant reservoir and a radiator.Some if not all factory lexus radiators have plastic top ends..My gs300 is plastic and thats why they crack instead of rust and burst, like on american cars which is what your probably used to, which is why you recommended to have it welded.....
I am very aware of the differences between the coolant reservoir and a radiator.Some if not all factory lexus radiators have plastic top ends..My gs300 is plastic and thats why they crack instead of rust and burst, like on american cars which is what your probably used to, which is why you recommended to have it welded.....
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Originally posted by Camshaft
I replaced, and saved a load of headache. Tried to fix, never worked. After 5 different attempts.
I replaced, and saved a load of headache. Tried to fix, never worked. After 5 different attempts.
#14
Moderator
I currently have 286,000 miles on my 1996 ES 300 and I'm replacing my radiator this weekend. It does have a crack in the upper part of the radiator which is a black plastic top. I'm really glad my original radiator lasted me this long. I really got my money's worth...
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