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#1
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Top of the radiator leaks
The top of the radiator is made of hard plastic (SVX97). It does have a hairline crack. I try to glue it, but the glue failed to stop the leak. Is there any suggestions? The car does not heat, but It uses a lot of coolant..Help, please.
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#2
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It's a common problem, I had it too. Some people have succeeded with glue, but it didn't work for me either. The solution is to replace the radiator. It's an easy job to do even for a novice mechanic.
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Subaru ECU and TCU Website 1992 Alcyone SVX Version L 1992 Alcyone SVX Version L 1994 Alcyone SVX S40-II 2004 Subaru Legacy 2.5 SE Sports Tourer 1996 Subaru Legacy 2.2 GX Wagon 1988 Subaru Justy J12 SL-II |
#3
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The radiator gets pretty hot, and is also under pressure, so in use this hairline crack will expand.
If you used a glue that sets hard, then the expansion that happens merely re-opens the crack. You have to use a glue that bonds well to the surface [which if it is too shiny like our radiator top, you have to "key" or roughen with sandpaper ] and that also remains flexible for the thermal and pressure expansion that happens. I did a repair that worked on a Matra car I had, plastic topped rad like our SVX. However, I used a two-pack epoxy paint and put on plenty of glue. Lasted quite a while. You might have a look for this product: http://www.caswellplating.com/permat...msealants.html which may do the job for you. You can take the following advice at YOUR OWN RISK! Don't do it if you are unsure what you are doing, and you are immediately prepared to replace the radiator if it goes wrong! Your hairline crack will not allow the glue to enter the crack area and bond to the two split surfaces. To allow the glue best chance to work, you could consider using a multi-tool type device [aka Dremel] to open up the hairline crack using a 1 mm drill/cutter along the length of the crack [don't break any drill bits into the rad either]. This will allow the adhesive to get into the crack and bond to the two sides. Provided you are sure the adhesive will work with temp and pressure, and remain flexible, it will probably fix your leak. But for absolute security, replace the radiator, Phil is correct. Welcome to the site, BTW. Joe
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Black Betty [Bam a Lam!] '93 UK spec, still languishing Betty Jersey Girl Silver '92 UK [Channel Isles] 40K Jersey Girl @ Mersea Candy Purple Honda Blackbird Plum Dangerous White X2 RVR Mitsubishi 1800GDI. Vantastic 40,000 miles Jersey Girl |
#4
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Thank you ! I am going to seal it first and see how it works..
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#5
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Get a PWR radiator for peice of mind... they are the single aftermakret replacement and the aluminum will never crack on the tanks
Tom |
#6
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Quote:
I never got a response back from sales or whoever.
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"That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence." '92 Dark Teal SVX LS-L, >146,000m 3 pedals, 5 speeds., restoration underway. 2012 Honda Insight, slow but cute. |
#7
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I haven't seen them on ebay for a while either.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#8
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Working on this same problem
My radiator is epoxy-ed over the crack overnight and will see if it works out tomorrow... hopefully it will hold untill at least spring time when i can afford a new radiator.
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#9
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If you don't drill a 1/8" or larger hole just PAST the end of the crack it will keep coming back. The expanding plastic and vibration keep it alive. Also drilling several holes through the length of the crack gives the epoxy a better purchase.
Make sure you use course grit sand paper and brake parts cleaner or equiv to prep the surface.
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#10
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Quote:
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Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#11
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Might as well save the trouble of starting a new thread.
I have a hairline crack in my radiator, and not a lot of funds. Is this radiator as good as the OE? Yea, I'd love to get a PWR but this is 1/3 the price. Please give your advice, I need a radiator fast!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RADIA...QQcmdZViewItem
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1992 Pearl White/Black Onyx Subaru Alcyone SVX LS-L Donating Forum Member In Good Standing JDM 4.11 Geared Transmission JDM 'ALCYONE' Rear Panel JDM 'BOXER' Eingngine Cover JDM 'SVX' Hood Badge L-Edition Suede Rear Seats |
#12
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yeah, all of the Ebay ones are the same "Silla" radiator. all OEM replacements.
And if your rad cracks.. just replace it. I tried half a dozen times to fix mine using fiberglass patches, epoxy, jb weld, plastic weld, etc... And in the end I had to still buy a radiator, I just had a lot more frustration keeping a patch on it. And I did all the drilling, cleaning, sanding, and patching the way I was supposed to. Oh, and replace your hoses when you do this. Cause otherwise they like to spring a leak and make you spend an hour driving 12 miles down a SNOWY road in the middle of APRIL to and from a parts store to get a new one. Ask me how I know.
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Greg 97 Red SVX LSi clean 96 Black SVX LSi beater 90 Red Eclipse GSX track ho 99 Ford F250 work horse My Locker |
#13
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I used some radiator repair package from advance auto parts for $1.99 and it seems to work pretty well. It is a 2 part putty that you mold together and then press over the leak. After 2 hours it dries rock hard and so far it has held fine. I do plan on replacing the radiator but it is nice to be able to worry about other problems first.
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#14
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Refer my current thread headed, "Radiator Repairs". Applicable text as follows:-
I have noted many instances of radiators being replaced purely because of a split/cracked top tank. This was a recent problem which resulted in my SVX letting me, or in to be exact my wife down, for the first time in eight years of daily motoring. Several radiator specialists offered a new OEM radiator, a replacement custom made alloy top tank or a new custom made alloy radiator. All very veryexpensive options. I went to a plastic repair specialist and the tank was welded for the huge sum of NZ$20,00. The fracture was welded closed, overlaid with extra material, then reinforced with fiberglass tape impregnated with weld. The crack of about five inches in length, was across the internal angle formed at the front of the tank, where a flange is formed to provide a flat surface for crimping to the the metal core. This is an obvious weak point, subject to vibration stresses, originating from the flexibly mounted engine and passed via the top hose. The area is now reinforced and I beieve better than when new. The tank could have been welded while in the car, but I chose to remove the radiator as the traveling distance involved, could have meant overheating the engine. N.B. I am advised that the tank is of a Nylon matereial and a special plastic welding rod is used together with a special hot air gun. The result is a fused joint much as with a metal weld. This is no way a stick on fix and is permanent. I reason that the crack has in fact relieved what was a previous stress point in the tank by opening up. Therefore the repair should correct an existing problem. Special attemntion shoiuld be paid in respect of the flexibility of the top readiator hose, for obvious reasons.
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Trevor, New Zealand. As a child, on cold mornings I gladly stood in cowpats to warm my bare feet, but I detest bull$hit! |
#15
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As long as this ebay/silla is OEM quality. I'd rather just pay the $151 for a new radiator and be confident in it than patch it and wonder when its going to crack again. Are new hoses really necessary? need to do this on the cheap
Thanks
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1992 Pearl White/Black Onyx Subaru Alcyone SVX LS-L Donating Forum Member In Good Standing JDM 4.11 Geared Transmission JDM 'ALCYONE' Rear Panel JDM 'BOXER' Eingngine Cover JDM 'SVX' Hood Badge L-Edition Suede Rear Seats |
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