Radiator crack :: JB weld for short trip?

[dstewart3ss]

New to me 2013 LC200. Knew it had the radiator crack and start of a leak when I bought it. Noticed some evidence of coolant spraying back on the power steering tank and engine filter as well as the battery on the other side. Have a 3 hr one way trip planned for this weekend. I will be replacing with new design OEM radiator but not sure I can get it done before I leave Saturday. So……..

If I can’t get new rad in, I’m thinking try the JB weld just to get me through this trip. Think I’d be OK given current state or is this really risky? I’ll drive 3 hrs one way from Charlotte to Bristol and then 3 hrs back the next day.

MLB Speedway Classic here we come!!!

 

[Kinnada]

damn that looks like it's gonna blow any second.
given the risk of being stranded far away and possible overheated engine in the dead of summer i personally wouldnt chance it. if that happens you're talking potential head gasket and possible warped block etc etc.
that's a pretty long crack which makes the risk of catastrophic failure even more likely. it's obviously already failing and giving you a great heads up, many here didn't get that benefit. i would heed the signs and i sure as hell wouldn't risk a three hour trip no matter how much jb weld is on there. good luck either way.

 

[Sandroad]

damn that looks like it's gonna blow any second.
given the risk of being stranded far away and possible overheated engine in the dead of summer i personally wouldnt chance it. if that happens you're talking potential head gasket and possible warped block etc etc.
that's a pretty long crack which makes the risk of catastrophic failure even more likely. it's obviously already failing and giving you a great heads up, many here didn't get that benefit. i would heed the signs and i sure as hell wouldn't risk a three hour trip no matter how much jb weld is on there. good luck either way.

I couldn’t have said it better.

 

[bloc]

It might work.

But it could cost you an engine if it doesn’t.

 

[rlong]

JB might hold, particularly if you leave the radiator cap off to keep pressure down, that area will flex with pressure. If you try JB scuff deep with 40 grit sandpaper!

 

[dstewart3ss]

This forum is part of the reason I’m so glad to be back in a LC. Have owned 100 series and LX570. Knew this rad was close so greatly appreciate the feedback. I think I’m gonna do some JB weld now just to help protect me when I drive it to the shop. I don’t have the time to do it myself.

What are recent prices folks have paid to get a new one bought and installed at the dealership recently? Under $1k I would think…maybe 750?

 

[mcgaskins]

Typically I'd say yes definitely give the JB Weld for a short trip, but 3 hours on the highway is too risky for me. Don't risk a $20k repair for a <$1k repair.

 

[Cruiser Jimmy]

Refer to this old thread. Start here as there is 99 pages of info. Dec 2018 and on info has a reference to the new radiator design.

 

[AZLX570]

Rent a car if you need to. More than worth the peace of mind.

 

[grinchy]

Scuff it good. Use a couple pieces of fiberglass Matt in the patch. I’d suggest the plastic version of jb weld.

Stop and check it ever 30 min. Keep an eye out for steam and high temps on the gauge.

It’ll be fine, but monitor.

One thing not mentioned, when the radiator is close to failing, the plastic everywhere could fail. I ran mine with a patch for a couple years, eventually the radiator failed at several places at the same time. The plastic was literally crumbling.

So before you go, check to see if you have soft spots around the necks or tubs / fittings. If you do, the patch won’t fix those. Actually make them worse. If you don’t, patch and monitor, replace soon