Guys,

I was sitting in my car when i noticed steam coming out from under my hood. Inspected it and found water bubbling and steaming from the radiator. It appears it is a leak right in the side of the radiator. Repair? or Replace?

If replace? can anyone help me with:

1) Part #
2) Where to buy?
3) What's fair pricing?
4) Is it an easy DIY to install, or get it professionally done?

Thanks A Ton,

FJP

 

Today most radiators are replaced, not repaired. The usual suspect is a crack in the tank where the hot water enters from the engine. I would replace with new one. Someone else can chime in since I have yet to do the repair. If I were to replace mine, I would use my local radiator shop, he usually gives the best deal on new quality radiators.

James

 

Replace, these are not your grandfathers rads, they combine the normal metal with plastic end tanks moulded together. Back in the day our company did work for Johnson Controls and an engineer told me they were working on making these hybrid tanks and said others were laughing at them, guess whose laughing now?
Tanks are available used and new, not too many have been mentioned failing on this forum so used ones from eBay may be the way to go.
Basically drain the system, undo the hose clamps, remove two rad clips and lift the rad out. Easy peasy if you have the tools and the time.

 

Refill with 50/50 distilled water and full strength Zerex G05

 

I do not have my radiator cap tight and never run full pressure as the accordian effect stresses the heater and radiator core. This is my plan on all of my vehicles for this reason, the 440 dodge has a 7psi cap on it. Just saying. Enjoy Woody

 

I'm glad YOU said that, I'm with you though. I'm jackem up to ,over rating ,when I'm pressure testing for a leak. I'd rather hear it hissing at 7psi, than find a cracked radiator when it gets to 30....

 

I have a rad. from a limited ,if you want it ,make me an offer. jim

 

Hey Guys,

For some reason I wasn't getting any notifications for this thread.

Still looking for the radiator. I did some searching on ebay for the part. I believe this is what I am looking for. If anyone has any recommendations for a better brand, or a better price I would certainly appreciate the info and links.

Thank you all for the helpful posts.

Cheers,

FJP

 

I have a rad. removed from a 2005 with 31000 miles on it make me an offer. jim

 

Ships passing in the night?

 

It appears so.

 

There are usually plenty on eBay and there has been few complaints about the rads on these cars. Contact Jim amx1397, he has just what you want.

 

A new radiator is listed for $320 & change on RockAuto.com. Gives you a reference point for negotiating purchase price for a used one. Can't ever recall anyone having an issue with these radiators - just the expansion tank. But after 10+ years of being on the road, problems are bound to start occurring.

 

i can beat rockautos price but AMX1397 has one for you already a im sure an even better price and he will take the effort to properly package it for you.

 

Got a couple leads on an Behr radiator, brand new 210 bucks shipped. Was in touch with Amx. At that price, I’m going to go ahead and assume it’s probably better to throw a brand new one on there, rather than one with about as many miles as mine. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Any input on the Behr radiators would be appreciated.