My 03 max has a very annoying radiator leak. I'm trying to find an adhesive that will seal it, although I've tried a few and I cannot replace the rad right now (unemployed). It doesnt leak a whole lot, but every two to three weeks I have to refill the rad about a half liter. The leak comes from the Nissan tag on the top part. I swear to gawd. Where the little Nissan logo is, on the right, there is a small leak that i see and hear when I squeeze the hose. I've tried a few things, but it's still leaking a little.
What should i do?

 

new radiators are only like a hundred bucks...that's what you are really needing here.

 

Stand on corner with "homeless need help" sign and you'll make enough in one day for a new radiator.

You're welcome. Trust me...it works, especially in so cal.

 

you can find a new radiator on sale for about 80, I would not want to try to glue it, it will still fail.

 

Order this:
And a case of these:
And you should be ok for a while.

 

Actually he can get one for 49.79, this one is a very popular one for 5th gens from http://www.rockauto.com/

TYC Part # 2329 {#214605Y700, NI3010113} Complete Radiator Assembly One of our most popular parts
[Flag indicates this part fits vehicles sold in the US Market. It does not indicate where the part was made -- manufacturers produce parts in multiple factories worldwide.] [Flag indicates this part fits vehicles sold in the Canadian Market. It does not indicate where the part was made -- manufacturers produce parts in multiple factories worldwide.] [Flag indicates this part fits vehicles sold in the Mexican Market. It does not indicate where the part was made -- manufacturers produce parts in multiple factories worldwide.] Bottom Header: 1 7/16" x 28 1/16"; Core Size: 15 3/4" x 27" x 5/8"; Plastic/Aluminum; Rows: 1; Top Header: 1 7/16" x 28 1/16"

Part Image
* Stocked in outlying warehouse--shipping delayed up to 1 business day
$49.79

 

Well there you go...only have to spend a few hours on the corner with a cup.

 

I guess you could empty the radiator then try and clean the crack really good and use some epoxy.

Like 3 or 4 years ago, I had a leak at the top of my radiator and I used JB weld or something similar and it actually lasted quite a while, although I did end up changing the rad though.

 

I picked up my new radiator for about $65 shipped... and yes the TYC is actually a KOYO radiator...

 

Sorry best advice is to just fix it by replacing it. If you have the slightest bit of mechanical knowledge you can do it yourself. Very easy job.

This is not an expensive repair either. As of right now anyways.

Overheat it and you risk blowing head gaskets or worse. Spend $100 now or $2000 later...

Those cooling system sealants and such clog the cooling system and gum up. Do not use. If you don't have access to $100 for a repair you seriously need to re-asses your financial status.

 

Good deal right there...

 

I drove my 4th Gen with leaking radiator for a while. When the time came I just replaced it. The down side is that if it gets worse, you might be stuck on the side of the road. Seems like there are cheap options if you just want to replace it now. Good luck!

 

you cant patch the radiators on plastic rads, the plastic is made up of polyethelyne. nothing will bond to that plastic, and nearly all plastics today are made up of it. only rads you can patch with JB weld or whatever are metal rads

 

Sure the heck is, can't beat that deal!

 

Heat gun to melt the plastic around the crack and a screwdriver to press the crack until its sealed.

 

Duct (duck) tape? Don't eat fast food for a week and you have a new radiator. Walmart has coolant for $10 a jug. Follow the correct procedure; cliff notes, heater on full hot full blast, leave radiator cap open and fill the system. Run engine. This allows all air to escape. Good luck. Sorry for your financial situation but take our advice and don't make it worse.

 

a lot of the advice here is going to result in a blown motor. don't try to melt the crack closed, don't keep driving it. It may suddenly breach letting out a lot more coolant than it has been, catching you off guard.

 

Buy the radiator from Rock Auto as mentioned in other posts. I have bought 2 of them, one for my 2001 GLE and another for my 2000 GLE. I have had years of service from both. It's an easy job to do yourself as well