radiator outlet

[poissonverte]

Well after replacing the upper radiator hose, I found out the plastic outlet on the radiator has a hairline crack in it (which is where the leak is).. Anyone know of a fix for that outlet? I hope I dont have to replace the radiator..

 

[SHOtimer]

Unless you wanna have to live with it, your only option is to replace the radiator. You could of course pour in some of that "stop leak". Their are mixed reviews of that stuff here on the forum, I personally wouldn't use it, but have heard it works.
Doug

 

[LI_SHO]

If you try it, get the brown lumpy stuff...DONT use the liquid aluminum. I used it and the whole blob solidified in the neck of the radiator. It was quite gross to remove half-frozen slime from there. Plus I dripped some inside the engine bay, and it looks like it snowed in there now.

 

[rangerj]

Poissonverte,

The radiator plastic is most likely an ABS, as apposed to PVC, type plastic. You can try the plastic cement that plumbers use to glue ABS plastic pipes.

The plastic has to be clean and dry, especially in the crack, or the glue will not hold. Clean the plastic with alcohol, acetone, or laquer thinner. The plumbers use a cleaner that is purple in color that is basically acetone.

Both the glue and the cleaner are available at Home Depot and other hardware stores. I have seen relatively small cans of the stuff for a few dollars. The purple cleaner will stain anything it comes into contact with, so if you use it be careful.

I have used the glue sucessfully on plastic interior parts, but never a plastic radiator.LOL, rangerj

 

[poissonverte]

Damn.. Its only 3 years old.. So goes the world of owning one of these cars.. Thanks for the tips.. Ill probably try the glue way first since it will probably be cheapest and work from there. Thanks for the help!

 

[LI_SHO]

ACTUALLY...in my previous vehicle i used epoxy on a hairline crack with good results. the only problem with glue is that it doesnt expand/contract with the radiator, so your pactch will stick for a while but over time it will be worked loose in spots...bringing back your leak. a new radiator for the SHO w/ a lifetime warranty can be had for a little over 100 dollars. personally i'd rather have peace of mind than something rigged-up.

 

[sdpatt]

Many of the replacement radiators come with a lifetime warranty. Got receipts?

 

[poissonverte]

Hmm good point.. Ill have to check on that!! thumbs_u

 

[KazMan]

you can use JB weld/quick on it. I had it on one of my old cars and it held up all right until I could afford the new radiator.

Its only a temp fix though..if you can afford it..go with the new rad.

 

[Off Road SHO]

If it's not under warranty like Scott said and you opt for the glue fix, use a two part epoxy made for glass and plastic. You can get it at any hardware store. Clean the surface very good with rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner. Scratch up the surface for at least 1/2" on both sides of the crack with very coarse grit sand paper. Plastic by its very nature won't let much stick to it so you have to give the epoxy a foothold of deep scratches. If you do this to a warm radiator, the epoxy will be sucked into the crack as the radiator cools. Good luck.

Tom

 

[zak]

poissonverte - I am curious what brand your replacement radiator is/was with the outlet leak - was it a Modine? My 3 year old Modine is leaking from a place I can't quite locate - drips from the drain spout area but not from the drain hole itself.

Thanks - >zak<

 

[zak]

nfm