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Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 7:38 am
by rjkoop
I've recently replaced the timing belt, hoses and coolant in the car. This included removing the radiator a number of times. I've resolved almost all the leakage issues (oil, coolant) but I noticed that after about 10 minutes of the car running there is a small amount of vapor that appears to be coming from the radiator near the top on the passenger side. I guess when the pressure builds up it forces this vapor out of the radiator. Is my best option to take it out and bring it to a radiator shop? I'm just wondering how much they'll charge and if I should look at an already rebuilt one or a new one. I'm thinking they will charge minimal $100 and if I could get a nearly new or new one for $189 (autoricambi) why not?
Re: Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 8:13 am
by 76was124
I had mine repaired (header/tube leak) for $75 in the Detroit area. They, flushed it and cleaned and painted the exterior too.
Did you double check that its not a leaky cap? After mine was repaired I thought I had a new leak, but the coolant was dribbling ever so slightly from under the backside of the cap and ultimately dripping off a fin halfway down the radiator.
Re: Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 9:08 am
by JEEPER
Had mine soldered 20 years ago at Rad Air and they didn't even take it out. Cleveland area.
Re: Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 10:07 am
by Tobi
I had mine repaired last fall ($80) and it was leaking in spring again. Get a new one!
Re: Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 2:01 pm
by 4uall
I had a similar event
I ended up buying a new rad from the awesome guys at Autoricambi however, they were $299 at the time
Guess it depends on your time line. The price is way better now
Turns out it was a leaky hose
Re: Radiator - minor leak
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 7:57 pm
by rjkoop
4uall wrote:I had a similar event
I ended up buying a new rad from the awesome guys at Autoricambi however, they were $299 at the time
Guess it depends on your time line. The price is way better now
Turns out it was a leaky hose
Thanks Jay. Timeline is now for spring next year... so lots of time.
Still have to tackle rear brakes and then suspension. Other than that some other minor things and looking forward to driving it in spring.