2nd radiator in 2 months

[Mr95Gl]

Going back 2 months ago, in april, I replaced the stock radiator with a brand new one. Several days ago, I noticed that there was a puddle of antifreeze at the passenger side of the car. I also noticed the reservoir was empty. I promptly filled it back up with antifreeze, and saw that it leaked out again. Ok, fine, crack in the overflow tank. To prove this right, I didn't put any coolant in the reservoir, and never noticed a leak again. Last night, while I was on my way home, I noticed the temperature gauge had creeped its way towards but not at the N, so I immediately pulled over. Both fans were on, so I threw some coolant in the reservoir, and proceeded home. The gauge NEVER went pass the N. But it did keep fluctuating, so I'm thinking a bad thermostat. Parked the car for the night.

Go out this morning, and there's a puddle once again on the floor on the passenger side. Pull the reservoir, FILL it with water to make sure it does have a crack in it, and nothing comes out. I pull the radiator cap off, and notice there's no antifreeze in there. Also, there's a significant amount of antifreeze running along the bottom of the bumper. Start to fill the radiator up with water, and it all starts to leak out. Great.

My question is . . . there was obviously no coolant in the radiator, so could the heat and no coolant present cause the radiator to get damage? Is that the reason why the temp gauge was fluctuating? Should I replace the thermostat as well? I always made sure the radiator was filled, but didn't check it since thursday. Go figure.

I'm about to go yank it out, which is no fun either. Any comments / suggestions welcome. It's still under warranty but I lost the receipt . . . . do I have a chance? Thanks

 

[Mr95Gl]

Pulled the old radiator out in about an hour, which is down from nearly 2 days during my first attempt. Gonna get it pressure tested tomorrow once I get off work, and hopefully they'll be able to button it up. Damn thing still looks brand new.

 

[SHOZ123]

Probably weak crimps at the tank seams. When I put my new one in I recrimped it with some vise grips.

 

[Mr95Gl]

Probably weak crimps at the tank seams. When I put my new one in I recrimped it with some vise grips.

Your absolutely correct. Had I known better, I would've check that myself, and threw the $40 it took for them to recrimp it into gas.

 

[etc1006]

IIRC the Haynes (I know no SHO stuff in it) said 27/64" drill bit to gauge the vise grips. I did the same thing to my good used one when it started to leak.