Need a Quick Fix for a Radiator Crack! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Structureboy · 02-12-2003, 09:03 PM

Well, problem is that ever since I got my water pump changed whenever I proceed to drive my car for an extended amount of time (more than 5 minutes), smoke starts coming outta the radiator. I inspected it more closely, and it appears that there is a crack about 4cm long. In addition to the smoke coming outta the crack, I'm also leaking antifreeze over the front (it appears from that crack as well).
Checked the Hayne's manual on the topic and it said that I should probably go to a dealer or other specialty shop to get my radiator fixed.

But here's my question, is this crack in the radiator directly (and most influentially) affecting this problem I have? Would it solve all the problems I have, If I just patched up this crack?

What is the typical cost to repair a radiator crack like this? Or do I have to invest in a new one?
And, is there anyway I can ECONOMICALLY patch this crack up (for the time being)? so it doesn't look to other people that my car's engine is overheating (of which it is not). And of course, I would later want to get it fixed.

Thanks for the help.

Tosh · 02-12-2003, 11:27 PM

i just replaced my cracked rad on my 89 supra. you can try patching it up for now with some jb weld or something, but i'd suggest gettin a brand new rad, cuz where's there's one crack there's usually more on the way. 93 doesn't seem that old, but you never know.
good luck.

Structureboy · 02-13-2003, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tosh

i just replaced my cracked rad on my 89 supra. you can try patching it up for now with some jb weld or something, but i'd suggest gettin a brand new rad, cuz where's there's one crack there's usually more on the way. 93 doesn't seem that old, but you never know.
good luck.

Tosh- appreciate the help. If I decide to use the JB weld adhesive, about how strong and how long should the weld hold up?
And I just want to make sure that patching up the crack would totally solve this engine steam coming outta the crack (just cuz this crack although 4 cm long, is very thin), b/c it looks like a new radiator is gonna be quite pricey...

Tosh · 02-13-2003, 07:24 PM

honest truth, the JB weld did jack shit. but i mighta just done it wrong and rushed it. a new rad can't be that much! i got a brand new one for mine for 260 from lordco. they normally retail for close to 500! just shop around and bargain. check ebay, there's a rad company that advertises on there all the time and theirs go for 130 US.
Toss on the JB weld it can't hurt. make sure you let it harden properly.
peace

Structureboy · 02-14-2003, 01:45 PM

Looks like I'm gonna buy a new radiator, but just wondering is there a difference between the factory oem radiators and the radiators you buy off another manufacturer.
Toyota Dealer is committing extortion-trying to sell me a new radiator for $529 :roll:
So, just want to make sure that if I buy a new rad. that it does the job as well as my OEM counterpart did. What's your experience been with your replacement radiator?

Appreciate the help.

Tosh · 02-14-2003, 07:14 PM

it sucks. for some reason the coolant was going into the overflow, but not vice versa. i'm not leakin coolant or burning it due to a bhg. i'm not overheating so i'm not to worried about it. if it doesn't fix itself somehow then i'll get someone else to take a look. if you get an oem one and you have serious probs with it just take it back. raise a stink in the shop if it doesn't go your way. they always give in.

92v6camry · 02-18-2003, 03:30 PM

i had the same problem with mine. its the plastic tanks they use. believe me to i tried everything to patch it cause it happened on fri night. i just went to my trusted service garage and they replaced it 120 for the radiator and it has metal tanks too.

racerhex · 10-14-2003, 07:45 AM

I tried using some crazy glue stuff real good...but only worked for a day!!! Im currently looking at a 3M solution because they do a lot of testing for my company....we shall see what glue or sealent can take the preasure and the heat.

OH WTF does anyone know a rang of heat and or temp that the radiator is subject to at its extremes...this will help my search! Ill post results.

And also if enough are interested Ill see if one of my radiator companies will make a GB of polished, welded performance rad.s!

Nick · 10-14-2003, 07:57 AM

egg whites, or that radiator stop leak stuff

both work well

racerhex · 10-14-2003, 08:16 AM

tried it no help......plus who wants that gritty stuff lurking around in there car....not me!

Nick · 10-14-2003, 08:53 AM

said quick fix, and if you're getting a radiator shortly should probably give the coolant system a flush