Topic: Radiator

[Bounty Hunter]

If it isn't leaking, why not just try to straighten out the fins?

An OEM radiator with plastic tanks is a ticking time bomb, they all leak at the seams eventually.

[Dylan]

An OEM radiator with plastic tanks is a ticking time bomb, they all leak at the seams eventually.

Mine lasted over ten years before it started to leak.  Again, if it isn't leaking, why not straighten the fins and press on with life?

[sharpxmen]

Mine lasted over ten years before it started to leak.  Again, if it isn't leaking, why not straighten the fins and press on with life?

we're talking about a YJ so over 15 year old vehicle.

[jfrabat]

Plus the new rad is only about a bubck fifty...  Why risk it?

[N8whitie]

It would take me about 2 days straight and a bag of meth to straighten every fin on that radiator. Its worth my 150 to get a new one and call it good.

[Jeffy]

Try touching the fins once you get a new radiator.  I don't think it's too much of a problem in CA but in other climates fins do corrode and flake off.  My old radiator had that big time.

[sharpxmen]

Try touching the fins once you get a new radiator.  I don't think it's too much of a problem in CA but in other climates fins do corrode and flake off.  My old radiator had that big time.

same on my old one, they crumble in a fine dust when touched

[neale_rs]

My '95 OEM radiator has the platic tanks but seems to be aluminum, no rust ... it is starting to show some stains around the seams although it does not seem to leak and it cools the engine very well.

I've got a new aluminum radiator lined up ready to go in.  Should I keep using the old one until it leaks or put the new one in right away?

[Jeffy]

Aluminum oxidizes and corrodes.  Basically the same thing as rust though.  If it's not leaking and you don't have cooling issues, I wouldn't bother changing it out.  They may seep a little but unless it's pooling up and dripping I wouldn't worry too much.

[neale_rs]

Thanks.  Sounds good.

[k]

Aluminum oxidizes and corrodes.  Basically the same thing as rust though.  If it's not leaking and you don't have cooling issues, I wouldn't bother changing it out.  They may seep a little but unless it's pooling up and dripping I wouldn't worry too much.

Drove with one leaking for 5 years before finally changing it when the heater core also started leaking.  The radiator only leaked when it got to less than 20 degrees outside, and then it would only steam until it warmed up and wouldn't do it for the rest of the day.  You guessed it, right at the seam where the plastic and metal come together.  Wasn't worth replacing until I had to drain the system for the heater core anyway.