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  #1  
Old 11-10-2003, 12:16 PM
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Radiator cracked on the top

The plastic part of the radiator on top has formed a hairline crack near where the radiator cap is and it is bleeding anti-freeze. I tried to epoxy it but the anti-freeze seems to still seep out. Is the top plastic replaceable or do I have to replace the whole radiator?

Or is there anything I can use to stop the leak?
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  #2  
Old 11-10-2003, 12:57 PM
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You can't just replace the top part, you're gonna need to get a whole new radiator (I need one too). You can epoxy it or JB weld it once the fluid level is below the crack. I had a "patch" on mine for about 6 months and now I'm just driving around with it cracked. It's proabably not the best idea but the fluid doesn't seem to escape when it's below the crack (but still above the radiator coils) unless you drive it hard. I just have to check the fluid occasionally. Hope that helps,
-Nathan

BTW there are a lot of other threads about this.
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  #3  
Old 11-10-2003, 01:14 PM
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if you decide to try, try to find a product optimized for nylon (which is what I believe the tank is made of). Here's one source of info on a product - but no personal experience.

http://www.permatex.com/news/00/pr001104d.asp
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  #4  
Old 11-10-2003, 08:17 PM
Ron Mummert Ron Mummert is offline
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Smile

Immortal suby (Matt) swears by Magnum Steel. PM him to see how it's holding up after a year's worth of duty.

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  #5  
Old 11-11-2003, 04:29 AM
arondale
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The crack is caused because the top of the radiator is plastic. After many years, the mere vibration of the motor and waterhose attached to the radiator make the plastic inlet weak, so it eventually cracks.

You can patch it up, but this is only a quick fix. Your mechanic should be able to purchase it and install it for $4-500 no matter where you live.

To patch it use sand paper or a sand disc if you have an air drill to make it easier for the epoxy to set. Use a small drill bit and drill a hold at the far left of the crack and the far right of the crack. This will prevent it from splitting any farther. Epoxy the crack and drilled holes with a 1cm buffer around it.

It should hold you a few months, but go ahead and take care of your soobie. Don't let her down. Replace that thang.

Arondale
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  #6  
Old 11-13-2003, 06:45 AM
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Broke off

Mine did this about three months ago. When I replaced the upper hose the top completely broke off! I had patched it with JB Weld and it did fine until it broke off. I had to purchase a new radiator from Subaru.
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  #7  
Old 11-14-2003, 08:35 PM
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so far so good. I patched the crack and it didnt leak today
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  #8  
Old 11-14-2003, 09:13 PM
arondale
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Great.

As long as you drilled to the left and right of the crack it should not split any farther and should hold for quite some time until you can afford to put in a new one.

I will give this warning though: keep it easy on your subbie until you buy a new radiator. If you get the water temp too high it might find itself through that crack.
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  #9  
Old 11-25-2003, 10:43 AM
STORMINORMAN STORMINORMAN is offline
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Unhappy What a Co-inky-dink!

This same, exact crack just happened to me!

I placed the car with the radiator higher than the engine, made sure the coolant level was below the crack, hit it with hairdryer for a while, sanded the area, took a Dremel tool and ground about a quarter-inch groove along the entire length of the crack (this probably has the same intended effect as drilling a hole through the radiator as per arondale's suggestion), then took a small piece of very tough, flexible & clear plastic, sanded it and then made the repair with JB Weld. One "coat" under the patch and one coat (application?) over the patch. Put a shop light on it overnight, then let it dry for 48 hours.

I have had very good luck with JB Weld in quite a few instances.
If the surfaces are properly prep'ed (prepped?) the repair area is often stronger than the original material.

We'll see, I guess!

Cheers!

One question, though: what DOES a radiator co$t?
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