Cracked Plastic Radiator Tank

Hi:

Just like my 93 K1500 did last year, my 95 Suburban's radiator has cracked vertically about 4 inches long in the middle on the front of the driver's side plastic tank behind where the upper hose comes in.

A new aftermarket 34" radiator is nearly $250. We only use the Suburban for pulling a horse trailer twice a week.

Has anyone had any luck J-B Welding or otherwise patching cracks like this?

Thanks for you opinion...

Dude..FIX it RIGHT the FIRST time!

Either purchase a new radiator or have a radiator shop replace the tank.
The plastic is brittle and your patch probally won't last long.

If the plastic isn't brittle like GMMerlin said, JB weld should do the trick. I have repaired tons of stuff, including metal and plastic, with JB weld and none of them have failed yet. The only problem with JB weld is that it isn't "sticky" so you have to make sure the parts you are joining can be clamped together in some manner.

a lot of local welders are now able to plastic weld. they use what looks like a hot melt gun. if you cant find a local welder try a local place that does recreational repairs, a buddy had one of his storage tanks welded that way years ago and its still holding.

I have a good tank (oil cooler has been removed) from a 96 that you can have for just shipping costs (guessing $6 - $7 USPS Priority Mail). I would suggest that you check with a local radiator shop to see how much it would cost to have a tank installed first.

J-B Weld did not work. The 1/8 inch thick built up bead I put on it cracked down the middle. First time J-B ever failed me.

Tried a fiberglass patch using some leftovers from rebuilding my golf cart. Even with prepping for a good bond, it failed as well by leaking around the edges.

Put in a new radiator from CarQuest - $243.