Radiator Fun!

Wikedjuggalo · #1 08-16-2007, 11:54 AM

So I go to my car today planning on going to the gas station. I start the car up and notice it is idling at a higher rpm then normal, 1000 - 1500 rpm , normal for my car is between 600-750 rpm maybe a little higher with air on. So being a worried car owner, I go to check all my fluids, Transmission, diff, oil all fine, then I go to check my Coolant. It is completely empty. So next thing is checking the top of the radiator where it has been patched before. I guess the 100+ Heat here has gotten to my radiator.

The crack is all the way across where it has been "temp" fixed.

My question being, I have to replace it, what should I go with and what kinda prices am I looking at? I know how to install radiators, Had a real fun time installing one on a 92 Acura Integra. If Someone could point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it.

dcarrb · #2 08-16-2007, 12:47 PM

$400+ with shipping from subaruparts.com. Do a search on "Silla radiator" for comments on a cheaper alternative.

dcb

AlcyoneDaze · #3 08-16-2007, 12:47 PM

I did a

search for "Silla SVX Radiator" and found one for $150 in under two minutes. The install is ridiculously simple, unhook a few hoses, remove four bolts holding in the two fans, unplug, remove, then undo the rubber stopper bolts that hold the radiator in. Yank radiator upwards, drop in the new one, replace everything and add some anti-freeze and distilled water.

Wikedjuggalo · #4 08-16-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlcyoneDaze

I did a

search for "Silla SVX Radiator" and found one for $150 in under two minutes. The install is ridiculously simple, unhook a few hoses, remove four bolts holding in the two fans, unplug, remove, then undo the rubber stopper bolts that hold the radiator in. Yank radiator upwards, drop in the new one, replace everything and add some anti-freeze and distilled water.

Thank you, I am having a rough day, messing with cars when its 102+ out is always fun, specially when everything you touch burns you

I will get the Silla, replacement but I have another question, I have a small oil leek seems to be coming from Valve Cover Gasket, 1) how much will Subaru Charge me to do this, 2) Could it also be loose bolts like I have heard on some other occasions? Should I be really concerned driving it with it leaking a little oil? I check it everyday and it is still full. Thanks again for the support and help on this board. You all are a unbelievable help to the world !

subarufamily · #5 08-16-2007, 01:40 PM

hey try car-part.com I got my radiatior from them used but out of a 97 it has been perfect since receiving it from the supplier. I have not heard anything good about Silla raditiors they are cheap crappy and fail alot , Dont waste your time. I bought 2 before i finally gave up and went used 1 came in with broken neck perfect box Not i repeat NOT a bit of damage on the box (it was shipper fault supposedly) but they sent money back when returned 2nd time box damaged just sent back so bought used calsonic from the above site good luck thanks

crazyhorse · #6 08-16-2007, 01:43 PM

Subarus are like Harleys, they don't leak, they mark thier territory. I wouldn't be concerned with a small leak. Keep good tabs on the level & the guage, I'm betting it doesn't lose much. My '97 Leg leaks exactly 1 pint per oil change. It gets on the exhaust making it look & smell much worse than it is.

Suby Fan · #7 08-16-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

Thank you, I am having a rough day, messing with cars when its 102+ out is always fun, specially when everything you touch burns you

I will get the Silla, replacement but I have another question, I have a small oil leek seems to be coming from Valve Cover Gasket, 1) how much will Subaru Charge me to do this, 2) Could it also be loose bolts like I have heard on some other occasions? Should I be really concerned driving it with it leaking a little oil? I check it everyday and it is still full. Thanks again for the support and help on this board. You all are a unbelievable help to the world !

its fine and to answer your dealer question too much.

Crazy_pilot · #8 08-16-2007, 02:47 PM

Don't worry about the oil unles it gets scary. Just check regularly to keep an eye on the level.

From another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

I have given the oil leak phenomenon a name, though: The Subaru Passive Underbody Rustproofing System™.

SPURPS.

dcb

Wikedjuggalo · #9 08-16-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarufamily

hey try car-part.com I got my radiatior from them used but out of a 97 it has been perfect since receiving it from the supplier. I have not heard anything good about Silla raditiors they are cheap crappy and fail alot , Dont waste your time. I bought 2 before i finally gave up and went used 1 came in with broken neck perfect box Not i repeat NOT a bit of damage on the box (it was shipper fault supposedly) but they sent money back when returned 2nd time box damaged just sent back so bought used calsonic from the above site good luck thanks

If I do that, I could still have to chance of it doing the same thing again? What year should I get it out of, or do they all have the top cracking problem? Again thanks so much! And I am glad that the oil leak doesn't seem like a problem. I will keep taps on the oil etc.

subarufamily · #10 08-16-2007, 05:12 PM

I could believe that any radiator would be more prone to problems, but I have had to replace 2 radiators since buying my 2 svxs 1 due to crack (similar to yours) the other due to car accident in both instances i have had no success in getting a replacement radiator w/o spending the franklin mint $400. plus. I am not saying that there arent good replacement radiators out there just not "Silla" I have installed both of my radiators myself it is easy. If you are getting a replacement radiator from car-parts.com stay away from 91/92 radiators if I am correct they have a screen in the transmission cooler line that can get plugged and then your tranny burns up. all the shop people that I am able to talk to have said not to put on/in Silla due to the fact that they dont back up their product, although they say 1 year warranty if it fails you have to send it in and they dont cover other parts that fail due to radiator failure, in fact most company's dont cover. the shops also say that the quality of the part is questionable, all of the specialty part shops in the area also quit carrying "Silla" products due to many many complaints

. i just did a search on car-parts.com and there are approx 20ish radiators there ranging from 220-75 and check/call for price

. Anyway here you go

Wikedjuggalo · #11 08-16-2007, 09:06 PM

My Choices

Should I go with the 200$ one or the Silla? I wanna order the new one in the morning? Since advice is not to get the silla I am leaning towards the replacement, non sillia 1.

subarufamily · #12 08-16-2007, 10:54 PM

me personally i would buy the non Silla Radiator

Crazy_pilot · #13 08-16-2007, 10:55 PM

PWR aluminum rad FTW!!!

ridered777 · #14 08-17-2007, 05:56 AM

The other radiator is pretty sketchy though... "Description-RADIATOR - 2day ground shipping, etc." It doesn't even give you a brand! While the Silla sounds like a bad choice, at least you know what brand it is and who to go after if it breaks... this other one costs more and doesn't ever mention any warranties.

Up to you though

Wikedjuggalo · #15 08-17-2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

PWR aluminum rad FTW!!!

I wish I could afford that 1 ! I asked about that fishy 1 named "Replacement" it comes with 1 year manufacturers warranty. But I cant seem to find any information on the company >.<. Choices choices

. I might go with the Replacement brand. Alotta people offer it so, I will go with that do the advice not to go with Silla.