Cracked Radiator...Mechanic recommending bullshit repairs???

[RichieRichJP]

I just went to a local bridgestone shop and had my alignment completed and had my oil change while I was there. Well, I come to find out that there was a crack on the upper part of my radiator (the black part that is in hands reach) and it looks like there is a little bit of fluid dried on there. Now, my dad suggested that I brase (welding with brass) the crack, since its practically a leaking hairline one but the shop recommended this: a new radiator, radiator system flush, new hoses both upper and lower and a new thermostat. It sounded unnecessary especially when it costs $619.87!!
Now, should I brase it or just get a new radiator from Ebay?? I figured getting a new radiator from Ebay would save me from troubles in the long run...
tia

[88 LE]

The top of your radiator might be plastic, in which case you can't weld to it.

If it is plastic, you can try JB Weld or plastic weld.

$600+ is way to much for those parts + labor.

You can buy a brand new radiator for way less then that and do it yourself.

Search for "radiators" on google.

[RichieRichJP]

Yeah, I realized that straight away. Its just the labor and the extra shit that they included with it made it ridiculous. Besides, I would've ordered the parts and did it myself it it came to that.
I looked at the radiator and it had a copperish appearance under the black paint which I come to believe it's copper/brass or something along those lines. Now the coat on there is thick, so I could be wrong. Anyone with my model know?

[terrastrife]

im pretty sure toyota use plastic end tanks on camrys .. unless yours might be aftermarket.

[Camrylvr]

Yup, You really should just replace the radiator, you can find a brand new one at auto zone for about $150 bucks. If your going to do it yourself. Make sure you inspect the radiator hoses for any soft hoses or hoses that appear to look swollen or have a bubbled appearance to them, as this would suggest replacement of them. As far as flushing the radiator you can do it very easily in the process of replacing your damaged radiator. But 600 dollars +. No way.

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by terrastrife

im pretty sure toyota use plastic end tanks on camrys .. unless yours might be aftermarket.

Its either or.

The original radiator on my gen 2 has metal end tanks. I have it laying around in the garage somewhere.

And the original radiator on my friends 94 Camry has plastic end tanks.

[Axel Kain]

my gen 3 had plastic ends. the bottom one got broken, so now its all nice, black, and metal. amen- prices are outrageous, also, since when did a hairline crack, need so much extra stuff replaced? lol, they desperate for $$$.

[Hajoca]

I would file the area or grind it leave the area rough, it helps the adhesive. Then drill in dimples at the ends of the crack.
Remember to KEEP IT DRY Dry. Then use epoxy putty, the harder you push on it the better.

Then if you have a piece of cloth wet it, mix up some more epoxy and put it over the previous clump that is now hardened and wipe it smooth with the cloth to make it look nice.

[RichieRichJP]

Ok thanks guys. I had a chance to check in under the light and found it to be plastic. Now, would the epoxy be able to hold up the pressure and tempature????
I really can't afford a new radiator right now after getting the alignment and performance brakes

[Jeff_M_PA]

I just bought a new one for my '96 Camry 4 Cyl, $93 at the local rad shop with me installing. Not worth fixing it at that price. Doubtful epoxy would hold at the 14 psi the cap holds, but you never know.

[skewe]

i got a new radiator installed at a shop for $180

[Ranger X]

Radiators don't just crack for no reason, there's normally something else causing it. When you get the money, here's what you do: replace the radiator, flush the fluid, and change the thermostat. Or else you'll blow the radiator again later on.

[d0rkiishchris]

I have had a simple radiator cap cause much damage to a radiator. If the cap is old I would replace it. If its not working then pressure will find another way.

[CamryPunk]

something is a simple DYI as long as you have a guide and simple tools. Save your ass $400.00+ doing all that shit yourself.

[Tercel GTS]

Replace the radiator, do not patch it. If I read in a couple of months that the patch leaked and you fried the engine I'm going to ride your back harder than a jockey in a horse race.