Ok some how, I've got a crack on the side of my radiator ( see pic below), it looks to be about a 1 1/2 inches long, is there anyway i can repair this? Or do i need to just get a new one.

this is the stock radiator, the black circle is where it is cracked at.

 

GM at one time supplied a high temp epoxy to repair the plastic tank. It is no longer available through them. Several options exist for you. First complete repalcement, second take it to a rad shop and have the tank replaced, or third try an over the counter high temp epoxy for a short term fix. The epoxy method is only short term, I would opt for a tank replacement if replacement of the entire unit is not in the budget.

 

when mine cracked i just bought a new radiator from Modine.

 

I had the tank replaced on my Z for about $50 Cdn (~$35 US) about seven years ago...it's held up perfectly since.

Pete

 

well, basically, my advice is to save the hassle and get the new one. they're only about $90 or so for a decent replacement.

in theory, you could fix it, but you'd have to drain the coolant, let it completely dry, and get a high-temp alcohol-resistant epoxy all the way into the crack and around the surrounding area. hot cooland really does a number on a lot of adhesives, but the good news is the pressure is only 15psi or so, so strength is not too too important. but the amount of effort and work is really not worthwhile unless you have a very small crack at the very top. usually, one crack means some type of weakening, especially near the plastic/metal joint, and another one might not be too far behind....

 

Mine cracked last month. I just replaced the tank on the end with another used one.

All you do is bend back the tabs with a screwdriver, take off tank, then crimp them back on good tank. There's a gasket so no sealant mess necessary. Also gives you a chance to clean up any crap out of the rad. Mine's been holding up so far.

 

Just buy an aluminum Modine for $140. It's lighter, cools better and is less of a hassle.

 

For what it can cost to have a radiator repaired, you could buy a brand new one for cheaper! I agree with the guys saying buy one from Modine! Matt

 

Yeah, I second that. Someone I knew had one priced from a taurus cause it had a crack and was barely leaking it turned out it would have cost more to repair it than buy a brand new one.

 

Yep modine, thats all i use