Radiator Leaking!!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 09:04 PM

I was driving my car and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. So I got home and looked under the hood.

There is a tiny hole on my radiator where the coolant is spewing out. The leak is very minor and slow.

Is there anyway to patch the hole up? I would usually replace the radiator, but the radiator is only about 6 months old. Also the leak is very minor, almost sweating out.

Any help would be appriciated.

Thanks.

skewe · 09-05-2007, 09:07 PM

it can be patched and it might cost 60$.
Radiator shop

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 09:10 PM

If the leak is in the fins, not the tanks, and you have a copper core you can usually solder it. If it is aluminum core, I don't know how to fix it. If it is in the plastic tanks (upper or lower) you have to replace it (don't bother with that cheap crap that plugs it, it never holds). I would recomend replacing it no matter what. You can find one cheap on ebay ($70-$80). Since you said it is only 6 months old, is it still under warrenty/ can they replace it for you?

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 09:11 PM

The leak is at the very top of the radiator and easy to get to.

Can i use JB weld?

xtremeskier97 · 09-05-2007, 09:12 PM

If it is under a warranty...dont do ANYTHING to it without first contacting the manufacturer.

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 09:18 PM

I cheaped out got a no-name radiator with only a 6 month warranty. Its been 7.5 months...talk about ripoffs!

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 09:18 PM

JB weld might hold it temporarily, but don't count on it holding forever. You said it is at the very top? If it is the top plastic part (upper radiator tank) the rad is shot. That plastic can not be reliably patched.

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 09:21 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...spagenameZWDVW

I have this one. Works great, and has a lifetime warrenty (both defects AND wear and tear).
only $74 shipped, good people!

Oh, don't bid on ebay, rather call them and use your credit card, you will have it the next day, no extra charge.

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 09:34 PM

Its not the platic its a small crack in metal. I'll try JB weld..if not i'll get a new rad.

Its just that i'm strapped for cash at the moment.

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 09:37 PM

If you have a copper core rad (the fins are made of copper, usually painted black) you can solder it, and that will hold.

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 09:43 PM

Thanks for your help.

I'll do that tomoro when i get home from school

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 10:04 PM

when you solder it, use a propane torch, not a soldering iron, and use acid-core solder, not rosin-core solder(electrical solder).

CamBOT · 09-05-2007, 10:33 PM

Oh boy, its worse than I thought.

Its not a crack in the metal.

The leak is from the very top part of the radiator. Its a type of very hard plastic?

Is that right?

I guess i'll need a new rad.

RichieRichJP · 09-05-2007, 11:24 PM

Dude, just get another radiator, gaaaawd!!
CLICKY HERE

95PimpingCamry · 09-05-2007, 11:27 PM

Yea, you need a new rad. I suggest trying radiator doctor on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...spagenameZWDVW
They have lifetime warrentys and have a rads for $70-$80 shipped. I have one and love it.
Don't buy it through ebay, rather call them at 1-800-717-8557, mention the ebay item #, and buy it over the phone and you will have it next day.