92 SE, 5spd, 203k miles.

Just drained, flushed, and filled coolant 2 weeks ago. Opened the hood recently and found that there was a hairline crack with traces of coolant coming out where the upper hose enters the radiator. No overheating problems at all, and there is coolant in the overflow tank. I've put some JB Weld on it temporarily until I get my replacement.



Has anyone had this problem? Where did you buy your replacement radiator? I'm thinking Autozone $108.

Thanks.

 

Junk yard...OEM stuff.

 

I had this problem.
got a good used one. don't expect the jbweld to last longer than a week (if that).
don't go autozone. heard a few people have problems with their rads (cheap plastic tops cracking, rad cap stem stripping out, etc)

here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...Q5fAccessories
I had good experience with the seller, getting mom's miata rad.

 

Use a dremel with a carbide burr bit and eat a trough the length of the crack. Then stuff it with JB weld and mash it down on the inside from the hose side.

fixed

 

FYI, I have a radiator from the parts car, but I think I'll keep it. haha



OP -- yeah, you could probably get an OEM one used cheaper at a boneyard. You would want to look it over pretty good for damage.

If you buy aftermarket, pay extra for a quality/upgraded one.

 

I had to replace my radiator a few months ago. I lucked up and got one from a guy who was just about to sell his car for parts. My old radiator used to leak at the top, but never overheat, so being that I just replaced the tranny, I didnt want to take any chances with it leaking through the tranny cooler line.

 

junkyard ftw. i've had good luck with some radiator weld putty from advance when i had to hold off on a radiator one time. held up for like 3 months

 

My 03 sprung a lead in the exact same spot. Just got it fixed yesterday.
I just got a new one, about $140. bucks.

For only 140 bucks, why bother with an old one from the junkyard.

 

$140 > $25

 

$140 < $25 x 5 radiator attemps + 15 for beer = $140 and a good time