radiator question

Hi folks,

I have a leaky radiator on a 96 LeSabre, and it appears to be failing right where the plastic end caps are crimped together with the cooling fins by means of an aluminum band. I am wondering if its possible to repair that seam, perhaps by recrimping the banding or opening it and applying silicone then reassemble and crimp. The radiator is in otherwise fine condition and I'm hoping there's a fix short of buying a new one. Are there any success stories out there? I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Danny

I have wondered why, when a question is asked, so many people answer a different question.

You can get a oem radiator for $100. Then, the problem is fixed.

Or, you could do what seems like more work, and have a patched up, old worn out radiator, that could leave you stranded, and maybe do harm to the motor.

I know times are tough (I live on a fixed income way below poverty). I would try and get a new one.

But that is not the question you asked. I'm sorry to do that. I wanted to give anything I could, with my experiences.

I also can now look at my post, and try and figure out why I did it, then I can finally find out why, when I post a question, do people (other forums) give me an answer that doesn't answer the question I asked.*

*Example: A kid will post that his dad will buy him a laptop, but it has to be locally. He wants to be able to look and talk to a person, live.
And be able to go back to the place, in person, if something goes wrong. That's the only way he will do it. The stores are..... What would be the best out of these?

The answers are like this. I would order online. you can get better deals.

Dude, did you read the question? He can't do that.

If the question was, should I buy online, or should I buy locally, the answer would fit. But that's not the question.

Sorry to go on in a rant, but this has been one thing I've wondered for years and years.

Looking at myself, I may of finally found the answer.

Chris.

You can get a oem radiator for $100. Then, the problem is fixed.

Show me this radiator for $100.

I have used Radiator Express in the past.. And I have always replaced with the Heavy Duty units... I don't bother trying to fix them.. If you take the radiator out you may be able to have a radiator shop retank the radiator... But even then you may have issues down the road..

I just replaced my radiator with one from RockAuto Parts Catalog (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php) (with a lifetime warranty) for 99-bucks shipped to my door. (PROLIANCE or SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # 432019) Of course, I bought some parts from them in the past and with their discount code, I got a whopping 5% discount off the purchase. The radiator arrived in three business days and was installed the same day. Excellent service and car runs 15 deg cooler. BTW, most radiator shops can flush out and install new plastic tanks for about 75-bucks with a 90-day warranty. Do the math!

Much obliged for the info guys, it should prove to be very useful. Thank you.

I patched the crack on my plastic radiator tank of my 93 lesabre with JB weld (needed a quick fix) and it lasted another 3 months however when it finally goes, it will do so at the most inconvienant time and place. Just replace it. I got my replacement rad from Autozone for about $100. Took about 1 hour to change it out (including beer breaks)

Yeah the change is not hard at all.. Very minor..

What was the core size of the new radiator..?

Seems to me that most of the replacements are roughly 1"

The ones I used were 1 3/8 iirc and 1 1/4 on the other one I used..I always like to have more cooling ability..