Radiator gone?

[CruisinGA]

I believe my radiator in the '93 is gone. It has been slowly leaking ever since we bought it. Whats funny is it will leak down to a point and then pretty much stop leaking actual fluid.

What I want to know is, judging from this picture, (that crack is where it is leaking from), must I replace the entire radiator, or can a shop or me replace just the top cap. (thats the only place it leaks).

Whats odd is that both our 80's have needed new radiators immediatly after purchasing them. I'm thinking conspiracy theory on behalf of Cdan's dogs.

Thanks.

 

[Eduardo96FZJ80]

I had bad luck with repairing, ended up "feeding the dogs" went with the three row in mine.

 

[Beowulf]

Bailey,

The general concensus is that a radiator that is leaking at the plastic tank should be replaced with a new OEM 3-core radiator.

If that is not a good option for you then you might find a shop that will attempt a repair. If you need to do the repair yourself then you can try to recrimp the tank at the seams. Maybe some JB Weld or epoxy if there is a visible crack in the plastic. Your post indicates there is a crack but my poor eyes can't see it or something. (Maybe that green streak?)

The problem with attempting the repairs is that most of the work is in the R&R of the radiator and doing the job twice is a lot of trouble and expense; with the problems of coolant recovery or replacing the coolant twice instead of once.

The rationale for a new one is that the original OEM radiator lasted 11 years so drop in a new one and don't worry about it for another 10 years or so.

-B-

 

[CruisinGA]

Replacing is not a problem, and especially with the coolant system I tend to be a replace rather than repair kind of guy.

With my moms there was no question, we just replaced. I just wanted to be sure there was no viable repair option, and since there appears to be none, I think I will go ahead and ring up Dan and get a new one on the way.

For me, however, 11 years does not seem long, considering many parts on my 40 (the radiator is one) are running on 30 years with no problems.

Thanks for the response.

 

[Eduardo96FZJ80]

Replacing is not a problem, and especially with the coolant system I tend to be a replace rather than repair kind of guy.

With my moms there was no question, we just replaced. I just wanted to be sure there was no viable repair option, and since there appears to be none, I think I will go ahead and ring up Dan and get a new one on the way.

For me, however, 11 years does not seem long, considering many parts on my 40 (the radiator is one) are running on 30 years with no problems.

Thanks for the response.

There is a "little" difference, new age plastic vs brass

 

[CruisinGA]

There is a "little" difference, new age plastic vs brass

Well then I wish Mr T would take note of this "little" difference.

 

[whodat]

I wonder how much the "smart shopper" price is? I see one in my future. wd

 

[CruisinGA]

A LOT better than any price you'll get locally. There was no comparison when I was last shopping around. Call 18004326668 ext. 8 for actual figures.

 

[Beowulf]

wd,

And when you call for the Smart Shopper price, Dan will likely advise you to buy the cheaper 3-row brass radiator for your '96 instead of the aluminum radiator your local dealer will advise you to buy.

-B-

 

[sjcruiser]

I've heard very good things about http://www.resedaradiator.com if you're looking to rebuild or buying a rebuilt one.

 

[CruisinGA]

Thanks, but Toyota only for the 80's.