Radiator is leaking - now what?

[nmikmik]

I knew there was a reason for empty coolant reservoir when I bought my 98 SW2 with 96k on it. Now I am faced with this problem:
Do I replace the radiator (they run from $85+ delivered) or try to remove it and fix it with some kind of epoxy? It looks like it ran for awhile with water instead of coolant so i'd think radiator is fairly well plugged up. I guess I am answering my own questions so far
If I replace the radiator - should I be replacing the cooling fan/motor/shroud assembly as well. They sell for $75+ at various places. i.e. do they go bad often enough to warrant the replacement now?
I'd also would like to put an axillary transmission cooler ( already have one spare) in it. So if someone have done it before, please let me know how difficult it was to do and if I am asking for more problems by doing that. I know on some cars by cooling the fluid too much you change the shifting points and that's not good.

[Cat Fuzz]

I would replace the radiator. You're just looking at more work later when your repair fails and it will. The cooling fan motor is replaceable all by itself, no need to replace the fan and shroud unless they are damaged. If the fan works like it should, I wouldn't mess with it. It's easy enough to replace later when it actuall does fail. I wouldn't mess with an extra transmission cooler. The stock set-up works just fine.

[RC1488]

+1 ^^^^.

No real need for the extra tranny cooler unless you live up a large hill

[nmikmik]

Thanks for your help!
I tend to overdo things, that's why asked the reason for the cooler (#2 reason) was to get the transmissions lines out of the radiator. Just wondering how many Saturn owners have radiator leaking from the same place about a 1/4" below the upper transmission line coupling? I don't live on the hill but i do go sometimes to Phoenix and Palm Springs, I do tend to use a Lincoln when I go there but you never know
I assume that radiator brand does not really matter ha? They all seem to be the same specs.
Thanks!

[inafogg]

good advice here. but always use GOOD/PROVEN name brand parts

[Cat Fuzz]

Originally Posted by inafogg

good advice here. but always use GOOD/PROVEN name brand parts

I tend to disagree to a point. Most parts are made by only one or two manufacturers and only the name on the box varies.

[nmikmik]

Well, i just ordered a Nissens (know nothing about this brand) radiator and some PBR rotors, should i be replacing the radiator/reservoir cap as well? Also I was wondering if I should be concerned with my timing chain. I hear some slapping type noise from the chain area when the engine is idling & heard that it can do a LOT of damage (i am guessing it's an interfering type engine) if the chain is not replaced "on time"
Any thoughts?
thanks!

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by nmikmik

Well, i just ordered a Nissens (know nothing about this brand) radiator and some PBR rotors, should i be replacing the radiator/reservoir cap as well? Also I was wondering if I should be concerned with my timing chain. I hear some slapping type noise from the chain area when the engine is idling & heard that it can do a LOT of damage (i am guessing it's an interfering type engine) if the chain is not replaced "on time"
Any thoughts?
thanks!

That should work.

Bed in your rotors with your pads. Very Important.

96K miles...It should be ok. Make sure the oil is kept full and change it every 3k. Lack of lubrication is what kills the chain. Well maintained chains have lasted well over 250K. If the noise gets worse, then yes, replacement is needed as these are interference engines.

[Cat Fuzz]

Originally Posted by RC1488

Bed in your rotors with your pads. Very Important.

I'd like to know why. Everyone I ask that does this doesn't know why they do it. I can't think of a good reason.

[nmikmik]

thanks & yea yea PBR pads as well, they are semi metallic but should work. I was concerned because the oil was black as black can be when I bought it. Like I said maintenance was only a rhetorical question for the previous owner.

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

I'd like to know why. Everyone I ask that does this doesn't know why they do it. I can't think of a good reason.

To prevent Warping

Some light reading: http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml