Calling all car buffs...please help

[Hav0k99]

I know I can post this on some car forums but I thought I'd try you all here 1st. So on my way to work yesterday, about 15 mins into driving my car, it starts to over heat and vapors start pouring out from under the hood. So I pull over and see that it is coming from the radiator (see pic)

http://img260.imageshack.us/im.../4145/radiatorleak.jpg

What can I do to fix this? If I can do it myself I'd rather do that as money is tight.

 

[cprince]

the image is kinda blurry, but if that part is metal then you can try to solder it using a blow torch. If it's plastic, then you need a new radiator--either way, you need a new radiator. What kind of car do you have? Some are very easy to replace the radiator, and, if you're lucky, autozone.com might have the repair manual online for your car.

 

[NutBucket]

That looks like plastic to me. Time for a new radiator.

What kind of car is it?

 

[SSSnail]

I'm gonna vote for new radiator as well, and while you're at it, change out all the hosing and the expansion tank, if those items are of the same age as your radiator. I'd go as far as changing out the thermostat and water pump, IF you can't remember the last time you checked them.

It may be worthwhile to overhaul your cooling system when you have to take out the radiator.

 

[Bignate603]

For the most part radiators have become a disposable part. Just get a new one. They are pretty reasonable and if you have a set of wrenches and some time you can do it yourself in an afternoon.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: SSSnail
I'm gonna vote for new radiator as well, and while you're at it, change out all the hosing and the expansion tank, if those items are of the same age as your radiator. I'd go as far as changing out the thermostat and water pump, IF you can't remember the last time you checked them.

It may be worthwhile to overhaul your cooling system when you have to take out the radiator.

I don't know that I'd go that far. If the water pump isn't leaking there's no reason to replace it. You generally don't have to remove the radiator to replace the water pump and it's not that difficult if you do have to remove it once you drain the cooling system (which you'd have to do to replace the water pump). Hoses I would inspect and if they are buldging or cracked I'd replace them and the hose clamps along with them. Thermostats either work or they don't. If he doesn't have overheating issues I wouldn't bother with it.

Just replace the radiator, flush the rest of the system, inspect hoses and replace as necessary.

 

[brblx]

blurry pic is blurry.

looks like it's splitting at the end tank. replace it.

 

[thedarkwolf]

radiatorbarn.com
Just bought a new one for my miata for $135 shipped. The one in my van was $80 from autozone so they aren't exactly expensive.

 

[AMCRambler]

It looks like a pretty big split where the tank meets the core. If I'm wrong, you could try putting some putty on it for a cheap fix. They sell some high temp stuff at the auto parts store for just this application. It's two compounds you mash together and then apply. It hardens within a couple of minutes. $5-10 bucks to try it but it can be hit or miss. If that doesn't work, replacing the radiator is your best option.

As far as doing the water pump at the same time, it may be easier to replace that now when you've got the system drained. It's usually a pretty cheap part and not a major hassle to replace other than having to drain your coolant.

 

[Hav0k99]

I put some J & B Weld Epoxy on it and it is fixed....for now!. I have a 96 Honda Civic LX. I'm trying to find a cheap service manual to eventually replace the radiator.

 

[bruceb]

You can download it from here:

http://servicemanual.blogspot....98-service-manual.html

 

[NutBucket]

That's a $100 radiator from autozone, at most. JB Weld? Hopefully you don't have to go far....