New radiator or weld the old one back?

[jcz]

I just realised a problem in my car. There is some splash back from the coolant and i noticed that the attached foam or sponge-like material next to the radiator is sort of oozing coolant. I am guessing that the radiato's time is up and it has cracked either due to wear and tear or excessive pressure.

So my question is ... should i weld the old one back together or buy a new radiator and get that fitted. A friend of mine suggested welding but the costs involved are not too far from a brand new one.

I was just wondering if anyone replaced theirs before and if so how much did it cost you. Did you get it welded or replaced it with a new one? I'm located in melb so would also like some recommendations as to where to get it done for the best price. Thanks

[CONAN]

Hi,

I managed to crack my radiator on one of my previous cars (Civic EK4).

After seeking advice I had the following options
1/ Weld it back together - There was a place in Smithfield that quoted me, I can't remember the price though. But the price was quite significant and if I can remember correct was similar to a new 'aftermarket' item.

2/ Purchase it new - I wasn't going to buy directly from Honda. I got quoted from numerous radiator manufacturers and again places in Smithfield managed to give me good prices, some below option 1.

3/ Source a second hand one - I chose this path because I managed to find a wrecker with a half cut that was willing to part with the radiator for 1/4 of the price. I got them to remove it from the half cut and I inspected it and it was in top condition.

So my recommendation would be to source a good condition 2nd hand unit, else if you got the money go the new 'aftermarket' item.

I just checked again and your in Melb - if you want prices from my Smithfield guys I will kindly try and assist just let me know

[ludecrs]

Ask Jon, since he now has a Koyo or Moshimoto installed, he may wish to part with his oem one.

[NVD52K]

i bought the koyo of fly lol

[ludecrs]

Bastard! lol
I want one, but not just yet.

[jcz]

I just called the Honda dealers and they quoted me $960 for a brand new one ... without installation. Day light robbery right there!!

Thx CONAN for the advice. I think i will have to go through that option too.

NCD52K how much did you buy the koyo one for and if you are willing to part with your oem one, how much do you want for it??

If i can't source one soon its going to complicate alot of things. Thx Ludecrs, would you know where i would be able to get an aftermarket one from??

[94vtirozguy]

for the price of repairing you can almost get a new one. Also from some manufacturers they have lifetime warranty for their new radiators.

[.::F[L]Y::.]

i currently have a mishimoto radiator in my car. works fine. Id recommend it.

[AusS2000]

The OEM radiator has plastic end tanks. I expect your leak is at the seal. It's just crimped together. A radiator shop may be able to repair it quite cheap.

Failing that go aftermarket. Koyos are good (where'd you get yours from John) but there are a couple of chinese brands for sale on ebay. You could check them out.

[AusS2000]

Also, if anyone has a spare fan shroud (goes on back of radiator and holds fans) I'm interested. Had to cut mine when I installed the SC.

[ludecrs]

Did you run a vortech or a Comptech Aus?

[.::F[L]Y::.]

best place for a decent deal on a KOYO would be to hit up one of the traders on s2ki

perhaps you guys could do a GB to get a better overall price and save on shipping