Help - cracked radiator

**MSTZ TA** · 07-11-2009, 07:36 AM

I smelled antifreeze for a few days, but didn't notice anything leaking... until last night. A nice puddle under the front end. When I checked it this morning I saw a crack at the top just a little under the cap.

So, I figure my best option is to replace, but would a little Stop Leak work in the meantime?

I called AutoZone for price - $182.88, the dealer $399!!! Why such a huge difference? My mechanic is going to call his contact on Monday, but that seems like a huge range in price and I don't want to get ripped off. I figured the dealer would be higher, but not that much.

It's a 98 WS6... I'm so bummed, last thing I need right now is a major car repair, ya know?!?!

I think I'm gonna take a ride on the bike and forget about this crap!

**tbias** · 07-11-2009, 10:46 AM

i wouldnt put that shit in my car. It gums up in your waterpump block ect. if you dont have the cash right now id buy a used one before id put that shit in there. lol pal

**pajeff02** · 07-11-2009, 10:48 AM

+1 No Stop Leak!!! If anything, you could try a little epoxy if you need to make a temporary repair. Just have to be a clean surface and let it fully cure before refilling the system.

**MSTZ TA** · 07-11-2009, 11:30 AM

Got it - no Stop Leak. My stepdad came by to check if he could solder it, but since it's plastic, no go. Might try a little epoxy for now. Money is fckn tight, dammit!

**MSTZ TA** · 07-12-2009, 11:09 AM

Another question - the crack is in the plastic end under the cap... can this be repaired or must the entire radiator be replaced??

**cammed goat** · 07-12-2009, 12:48 PM

Try the epoxy. I used epoxy with my last car to hold me over til the radiator I ordered came it. Why don't ya try eBay?

**MSTZ TA** · 07-12-2009, 02:59 PM

After looking more closely at the crack, it's virtually impossible to even get to to put epoxy on it. I'll hopefully get it fixed this week, just have to drive the Jeep until I do.

HOW does it get cracked??

**cammed goat** · 07-12-2009, 03:03 PM

If the car has been in a frontal impact, age, if there is more water than coolant in the system or there could be a defect in the plastic in the tanks.

Found this to keep the options open:
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

**MSTZ TA** · 07-12-2009, 03:10 PM

I guess just age then for mine.

I found this one - free shipping -

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...%26+Drivetrain

**cammed goat** · 07-12-2009, 03:14 PM

Order that one. And like you posted, drive your jeep. You DO NOT want to make a bad situation worse. Get the rad, throw it in and have fun.

**MSTZ TA** · 07-12-2009, 03:16 PM

Yeah that's what I'm figuring. I just hit 90,000 miles, I hope this isn't a sign of things to come!

**cammed goat** · 07-12-2009, 03:18 PM

Well, if you take care of the car, then you should have no problem. If you beat on it, 90k can be a sign of replacing parts.

**MSTZ TA** · 07-12-2009, 03:23 PM

I baby the sh*t out of it! I'm too scared to beat and have major repairs, ha! I've had it since 01 and really have had no major problems.

**cammed goat** · 07-12-2009, 03:26 PM

Well then you should have no problems.

**Spaz** · 07-13-2009, 10:37 AM

if ya need help and feel like driving a hour and a half to telford i have a shop and all the tools you need to swap the radiator out...

best best would be to replace the radiator... just make sure you get the right one!!!

**MSTZ TA** · 07-13-2009, 10:44 AM

Thanks but I would be too nervous to drive it that far with a bad rad. My mechanic said he would do it for $170. I ordered online this morning with USA Radiator (#1486) $147 + tax/free shipping.

https://www.autoradiator.com/PONTIAC...IRD--1998.html

They already delivered it to my house! FAST service! Apparently they have a warehouse in Harrisburg. Goes into the shop on Thurs and hopefully I'm driving it by the weekend!