Radiator Plasticophobia

SubaSteevo · #1 05-12-2003, 02:19 PM

I'm beginning to develop a fear of plastics. If any of you have noticed there are two little prongs on the radiator that go into holes to help keep the radiator in place. Well one of my prongs broke off. What you probably did not know is that if one of these breaks off, coolant will find a new way out of your radiator. This crappy piece of plastic is going to mean I need a whole new f***ing radiator. Since the car now has NO coolant, its not going anywhere. I love this car

benebob · #2 05-12-2003, 02:45 PM

All is not lost just yet. Not sure where you mean but try a product called Magnum Steel. I've had it on my top plastic radiator crack for a year now and it still looks and feels exactly like it did when I put it on. Sand the area around the hole just enough to scuff it up then apply it about an inch around the leak. Oh yeah, drain the fluid to below the level first! Let it dry at least 24 hours and cross your fingers. Its cheap so it is worth a try. If it doesn't work Liberty Subaru quoted me the best price for a radiator last year like $275. Shipping is actual cost so you should make out great living a few zip codes away plus they're real nice to deal with.

SubaSteevo · #3 05-12-2003, 03:06 PM

Well this is an actual hole about 1/4-1/2" in diameter in the bottom of the radiator, think it'll still work?

benebob · #4 05-12-2003, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BurgundyBeast
Well this is an actual hole about 1/4-1/2" in diameter in the bottom of the radiator, think it'll still work?

Its worth a try the stuff is under $5. You may want to try some reinforcing though like with a piece of aluminum mesh in the middle (i.e magnum steel, mesh piece then more magnum steel. My crack was 5-6" long granted not wide at all.

SubaSteevo · #5 05-12-2003, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the tip, I think I'll try it. I did find a used radiator for $200 so I might go with that if I don't get a new one from Liberty. While it's out I was thinking of doing the water pump and/or timing belt but the previous owner had the water pump done at 30k and the timing belt at 52k and the car has 85k so I think I'll let them pass. Looks like I'm stuck with the Camry again, once I get the battery charged

svx_commuter · #6 05-13-2003, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BurgundyBeast
Thanks for the tip, I think I'll try it. I did find a used radiator for $200 so I might go with that if I don't get a new one from Liberty. While it's out I was thinking of doing the water pump and/or timing belt but the previous owner had the water pump done at 30k and the timing belt at 52k and the car has 85k so I think I'll let them pass. Looks like I'm stuck with the Camry again, once I get the battery charged

If you want I can pick these parts up for you, from liberty.

and drop them off on my way home.

John McKenna

SubaSteevo · #7 05-13-2003, 05:51 AM

You sure it's not too far out of your way? What should I do, order it and tell them that you will be picking it up?

svx_commuter · #8 05-13-2003, 09:42 AM

I work in Englewood and Liberty is in Oradel. I run over there during lunch and pick-up parts. I live near you and going home on 78 is not out of the way. I need to pickup a few cam seals, crank seal, valve cover gaskets and oil filters.

I'll PM you.