radiator leak

[ian mmm]

My son has an 88 or 89 Camry V6 with a small crack in the side of the top of the radiator, the solid round top not the fins. He wants to fix it cheap. Is this model of rad metal or plastic? Can you solder it yourself if metal, and if so any tips on how, OR can you fix it yourself if plastic? The crack is about one inch long and it began by weeping, but now it spurts a bit.

[yotatechie04]

If it's a small leak in the top of the radiator, which I do believe the tops are made of plastic, it can be cheaply fixed with epoxy. Although this is only a temporary fix, and it would probably be best if you replaced the radiator completely because it's most likely going to have to come out of there sooner or later.

[john_lewin]

I have the same problem, but take my advice, dont use the patches on the plastic section on the top of the radiator. The epoxy compunds do not bond well to plastic (I've used several brands), and after a few weeks you'll probably find yourself jetting fluid while travelling down the highway. Also, small holes in the plastic section rather quickly become large holes in the plastic. I experimented with a number of options, including an in house custom compound that worked well for 4 months (girlfriend is a chemical engineer at an aerospace firm), but innevitably the compound will fail, generally while the radiator is getting a lot of use (read: on the highway, far from your home). Save yourself the 100 bucks for towing or the three hours to let a patching compound dry while working on the side of the highway and shell out and buy a new radiator. They go for a little over a hundred bucks new. I'm installing mine today.
If your really cash strapped, you can usually find one for less than 40 at a junkyard.

Anyone who has some tips on radiator installation would be most appreciated.

[GSS123]

Try J-B Weld it can be purchase at most automotive stores and Wally world.

Report back what you decide to do.

[hontoy]

Originally Posted by ian mmm

My son has an 88 or 89 Camry V6 with a small crack in the side of the top of the radiator, the solid round top not the fins. He wants to fix it cheap. Is this model of rad metal or plastic? Can you solder it yourself if metal, and if so any tips on how, OR can you fix it yourself if plastic? The crack is about one inch long and it began by weeping, but now it spurts a bit.

TRY AUTO WRECKING YARDS.. ABOUT $15-$20 FOR USED RADIATOR.

[yotatechie04]

New radiator installation isn't that difficult, just as long as you take your time, and are extremely careful not to damage the new one during installation. The best thing to do, is to completely remove anything that you could possibly bump the radiator off of in the surrounding area. Make sure that your drain plug is secure, and it wouldn't hurt to put some thread sealant, or some teflon tape on the threads of the plug. Also, some radiators come with plugs to place in extra holes for transmission lines, make sure these are installed tight if you have any of them, because once you've installed the new one and filled it up, the only way you'll be able to access the plug again is to undo everything you've done.

[Mike Gerber]

I recently learned a trick on installing radiators form watching a TV show. (Sorry I don't remember which one.) They taped cardboard over the front and back of the radiator to protect the fins during installation. Then, after installation, they removed the tape and the cardboard.

Mike

[yotatechie04]

That actually sounds like it would be very helpful, I think I'll have to try that rather than doing it the old-school way and removing everything in the way.