Radiator---ebay, dealer or PWR?

[anneksw]

Hi Fellas,

I hope you know that there are probably many people like me who seldom post....but read avidly and learn constantly from all of your experiences. I clearly have a common problem...Friday my radiator bit the dust. My mechanic tells me he found one radiator ($440) at a dealership that can be shipped out in a week. I, of course, went to the top radiator thread and read...most of the 64 pages....called PWR and was told they will have a shipment in 2 weeks and I can get an aluminum radiator for $500....and I see on ebay a Silla Radiator Subaru SVX 1992-1997 for $184.95. Any advice on the correct radiator? I'd rather spend the $500 and know that particular problem is solved, but money is an issue.... PS Thank you for all the info over the past year.

[MaiPenRai]

I don't want to hijack your thread, anneksw, but I would also like some insight into this...I don't have any overheating problem, but I have the good ol' "hairline crack on the top plastic" radiator leakage. From what I've gathered looking through old threads, that means I'm going to need a whole new radiator, correct? And PWR is the way to go?

Thanks.

[dcarrb]

Yes, a crack in the top tank means time for a new radiator. Many have attempted repair with epoxy and Magical Mystery compounds and a few report success, but any such repair should be considered temporary.

Think I'd steer clear of that Silla radiator on eBay absent glowing recommendations from reputable contributors here.

Subaruparts.com has a new OEM radiator in-stock for $377.76. Add their ridiculous shipping cost of $45.33 (to my address, anyway) and you'd still be saving a few bucks over your mechanic's quote.

dcb

[SVXMAN2001]

my advice stay stock, please correct me if i am wrong but i thought the PWR had some clearance issues with the hood?

Again stay stock and call up liberty subaru in new jersey, i believe i got my radiator for under $400 shipped to my door! Good luck

[anneksw]

Do you happen to have the part number for the OEM radiator at subaruparts.com? I tried a search but couldn't find anything. Thanks.

[dcarrb]

Originally Posted by anneksw

Do you happen to have the part number for the OEM radiator at subaruparts.com? I tried a search but couldn't find anything. Thanks.

45199PA001

[msvx95]

Radiator Assembly from Subaruparts.com
P/N: 45199PA001 List price:$424.93
Sell price: $377.76
Shipping price: $45.33

[SilverSpear]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

Yes, a crack in the top tank means time for a new radiator.

No it doesn't. A crack occured in my upper plastic part of the rad 5 years ago. I fixed it back then by that Grey/white mix glue combo and the car never leaked. It worked like a charm.

Save your $$$, try this method first.

BTW, doesn't the Nissan Altima rad assembly the same as our SVX? or was that the fan assembly?

[dcarrb]

Originally Posted by SilverSpear

No it doesn't. A crack occured in my upper plastic part of the rad 5 years ago. I fixed it back then by that Grey/white mix glue combo and the car never leaked. It worked like a charm.

I think it's safe to say that you're one of the very few for whom any such repair has lasted. Five years is extraordinary. Certainly can't hurt anything to try, so long as you keep an eye on the coolant level and temp gauge. I drove mine for several days with an epoxy patch, but it never held tight.

dcb

[anneksw]

Thanks again for all the help. I think I will send away for the new radiator....so I can move onto the inevitable next problem…or the last couple of lingering problems, hot air coming out of the AC, ABS light on for last several months, that damn sunvisor, puddle that forms on the floor behind the drivers seat when it rains. Good thing I love that car!

[Earthworm]

hot air coming out of the AC
- check levers by driver's foot for sticking
- check Climate Control error codes

ABS light on for last several months
- check trouble code on module under passenger seat

that damn sunvisor
- try the fixes mention on this site
- replace visor

puddle that forms on the floor behind the drivers seat when it rains
- check that the drain hoses for the sunroof are routed into the larger hoses
- make sure all the covers for the frame rails under the car are there

[MaiPenRai]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. Good luck, anneksw.

[SilverSpear]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

I think it's safe to say that you're one of the very few for whom any such repair has lasted. Five years is extraordinary. Certainly can't hurt anything to try, so long as you keep an eye on the coolant level and temp gauge. I drove mine for several days with an epoxy patch, but it never held tight.

dcb

I can show you pics if you want...

[MaiPenRai]

So, there is no way to just replace the plastic top part? I'm going to try to seal it as a quick fix first anyway, since it may be a couple of weeks before I can get the whole thing replaced. I fear the worst, however.

[immortal_suby]

Originally Posted by MaiPenRai

So, there is no way to just replace the plastic top part? I'm going to try to seal it as a quick fix first anyway, since it may be a couple of weeks before I can get the whole thing replaced. I fear the worst, however.

I had a seal last for a few years. It really depends on how bad the plastic is.

drain the radiator to a level so it is below the plastic tank.
use some coarse grit sandpaper to rough the plastic up in the area of the crack and beyond it also (this give the epoxy something to grip onto)
Clean the plastic well - use rubbing alcohol or something.
I had the best luck with "magnum steel" it is a 2 part epoxy that comes in a tube a little larger than a stack of quarters. you can find it at most auto parts stores. Some people use jb weld. I tried it and it didnt work. ymmv.
mix (knead) it up real well and then spread it on the cracked area and beyond.
let it cure for at least a day.

Like I said, I had one last for a few years. I had another (on my other svx) last for a few months - because the plastic had degraded so bad it continued to crack beyond the repaired area.
good luck!