Found a leak on the top tube of the radiator, doesn't look too bad. Does anyone try the epoxy fix? How is it holding up? What product do you recommend? It is an original radiator. but it is small crack. If it is not too expensive. I would prefer try to patch it up...

 

Suck it up and buy a new one! Summer is going to be a problem!

If you have a MT, there are some all aluminum radiators that will last a LONG time (usually). If AT, you'll find aluminum and plastic combos. Some are better than the rest.

JvG here has a decent one he used and recommends. Hopefully, he'll stop in.

 

Replacement radiators are too cheap to risk trying to repair an original radiator. Save yourself a headache. There is plenty of replacement experiences on there to draw on.

 

Our cars are over 20 years old.
The radiators are failing.

Are you willing to risk your engine and basicly your car because you want to save the 50 to 100 dollars a radiator would cost?

Does your air conditioning still work? It sure is nice to stay cool without worrying about overheating.

Every summer some of our members report overheating, radiator failure far from home, blown head gaskets, etc. Some of them tried to "save" money by doing exactly what you are contempating.
Many of those members end up either junking the Maxima, or replacing the engine. Almost all of their cars might still be on the road if they just spent the 50 to 100 dollars for a new radiator.

I've seen radiators for as little as 40 dollars on ebay.
I'd consider that risky. Better ones sell for 100 or so.

I bought a KoyoRad radiator through a group deal through this forum..it cost 106 dollars a few years ago. The quality is excellent.

You might as well replace the top and bottom radiator hoses while you are in there. The top rad hose is usually the first hose to fail on a hot day. Then someone will have engine failure because they bought a 12 pack of beer instead of a hose.

The radiator is a very important part of your car.
Please don't be foolish. Replace it!!!!

Look at ebay, amazon, rock auto, etc.

Buy one asap while it's still cool. Install it real soon.

 

^^^ This. Don't forget the essential OEM components associated with engine coolant.

OEM thermostat and gasket
OEM radiator cap.

I usually get 5 years of service from an aftermarket radiator that costs in the $100 range.

 

Thanks Guys, Guess I will be shopping for a new rad. Anyone has experience on the Denso one? I have been using many parts from them on my Toyota and they seem to be pretty good.

 

Denso is good. I bought one for my Toyota Corolla when I rebuilt the engine. The original one was also Denso. It was still good after 15 years. I replaced it because I found a new one for 35 dollars on amazon.

 

Rad R&R on these cars is a 30 minute job. You are making the best decision to buy new. Denso makes top-shelf products you will be fine there. That is what I replaced mine with a couple years back, no issues.

 

20 years is not bad for an original radiator!

I recommend Denso radiator. I have a Denso on my car, and it is holding up good! The new radiator does not come with a cap, so I got an OEM cap from the dealer for about $20

 

Be sure you get a good radiator cap. With a new radiator, problems start with a crappy cap. Don't go cheap.