Radiator Leaking

[Tuls]

Hey guys,

bought my first honda (94 integra VTIR) 3 weeks ago and the radiator started to haemorrhage cooolant from the top part of the radiator, not from the cap . I've read this is a common problem with the integra radiators??? will a need a new one???

Cheers guys

[dougie_504]

Common with Hondas. You might need to replace the top-tank of the radiator. $200-300 job. Where do you live?

[Lukey]

never heard of this.

[DLO01]

As dougie said. Top plastic tank is press fitted with tabs to the metal core. The gasket in between can perish / leak over time. On my old Crx the top plastic tank cracked and leaked through that. Very fine crack and not very noticeable to the eye.

[Tuls]

Live in nth beaches sydney. Spoke to mechanic today over the phone and he reckons a complete new radiator?? SH*!

[DCZ 18C]

excuse to get a nice aftermarket rad.. ;p

[Mikecivic78]

Live in nth beaches sydney. Spoke to mechanic today over the phone and he reckons a complete new radiator?? SH*!

Yes, I think it is better just to get a whole new radiator than replacing just the top tank. Don't get a Honda one as they are ridiculously expensive.

I think you can get some reasonably priced aftermarket all aluminium ones, which do away with the plastic top tank.

[dougie_504]

Live in nth beaches sydney. Spoke to mechanic today over the phone and he reckons a complete new radiator?? SH*!

No, he's wrong. The top tank is exposed to a lot of heat as the majority of the heater coolant runs through that section, as well as it being exposed to residual heat from the engine. Because it's plastic it slowly deforms, however there's no reason why it shouldn't last you easily another 5-10 years if you replace just the top tank. I did mine about 2 years ago on my Civic (no problems) and again recently on my CRX.

The lower part of the radiator very, very rarely has these issues.

[cheapdouchebag]

if ur radiator is OEM - and u want a quick fix, im sure ull be able to find one quick snap that has been used at a spares place.
i remember when i did that for my lude. it had acrack so i jsut replaced it
radiator costed me 125, i get 25 back when i bring back my old one.
easy as pie

[dougie_504]

Again, I don't see the point of replacing it with another used unit.

When you have the top tank replaced the upper part of the radiator is brand new, and any workshop will give the radiator an internal flush-out to clear up any blockage. It's essentially new. Bottom end is generally sweet.

[DLO01]

Top tank replacement for me was a cheaper alternative than buying a complete new one. Its just easier for your mechanic to buy a new one and swap it over.

Maybe take it to a radiator specialist instead of your mechanic and get a quote from them. Top tank replacement only. Then make a decision.

[EG30]

dont forget it's well and good replacing the top tank and gasket, but how much life is left with your botton tank and the core ( ie debris damage on exterior and blockage inside) ? Sure you can repair them too but the cost of an aftermarket oem style rad is often under $200 from the same suppliers who sell taiwanese panels and headlights, may be bit more for the full width dc2 radiator and it's brand new.

[phatty]

excuse to get a nice aftermarket rad.. ;p

LOL. Thats true.

This happened in my ek, i got a new top tank for it for around 120-200 i think it was.. Plus 2 years warranty so should be all good if anything else happens. You wouldnt need to replace the radiator as it seems like with your description its leaking from the plastic top tank. It's not suprising because plastic over time will expand and can create a crack in it and the coolant can leak out of it. Just look for a place that will get you a new plastic top tank for the coolant, i was lucky to get a brand new OEM one.