so i was installing the wiring for a new set of lights. and i noticed a spot on the driveway. i did some serious looking, and found the drivers side of the radiator is leaking. considering that its plastic, and has the worst environment for repair, both heat and pressure. i figured i should ask if its a waste of time to try and epoxy it, or if i need to bite the bullet, and order a new radiator.
stopping the dribble
- Thread starter XWrench3
- Start date
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In the end you need a new radiator
I've managed to us e some marine epoxy to mend one that lasted a couple of months but it was not pretty
Then when looking for a new radiator, buy a good one, some of the cheap ones are pure junk and will be replacing it again and again
Buddy of mine replaced his lifetime warranty cheapo 11 times in less than 2 years
also may as well add in a new Mopar thermostat, hoses and be done
I've managed to us e some marine epoxy to mend one that lasted a couple of months but it was not pretty
Then when looking for a new radiator, buy a good one, some of the cheap ones are pure junk and will be replacing it again and again
Buddy of mine replaced his lifetime warranty cheapo 11 times in less than 2 years
also may as well add in a new Mopar thermostat, hoses and be done
JeepJeepster
Full Access Member
Dont try to epoxy it, wont work.
True regular epoxy won't, Marine Epoxy will
jeeptorino68
Full Access Member
Save the time and replace the radiator
adamkrz
Full Access Member
I would go Mopar only - also like Tommudd said hoses and thermostat, For me Since I'm there change the waterpump also. All mopar..
Works 98% of the time
But when you find a young college student trying to drive over 700 miles home ( just into her trip about 200 miles )
You do what you can to get her on the road quickly , got some marine epoxy heated it up ( the crack ) with a small torch I had and spread it on
Took her out for lunch, went back, poured in new Hoat , sealed it up.
She tried to pay, said no way. Her Dad called next day Thanking me
Next trip through going home in the spring, still running my " fix " LOL
She bought lunch that time
well, if i have to replace it, i'm going tp put an aluminum 3 core one in its place. years ago, we owned a dodge neon (best car we have ever owned), and it had an aluminum core with plastic tanks. the salt (road salt) ate away at the aluminum crimp that held the plastic/aluminum seal tight, and it started leaking there. i ended up using j b weld on it, then drilled a hole in the radiator cap so it relieved the pressure. that held for a decade or so until we grudgingly had to trade it in (we had small kids, and the frame was rotting out). i might be able to get away with it here, except for the problems that arise if this engine gets hot. not worth the risk.
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