Hi all, I thought the thermostat wa the problem so I replaced that and when was checking for leaks I noticed the coolant dripping from behind the fan, so I believe the radiator had a hole or crack in it. The car has 170k miles on it. I'm not sure how to, or is it cost effective to fix it, but I would appreciate any advise I could get regarding this pain in the azz. I was also wondering about some additive I could put in to seal the hole but I think thats only for metal radiators and this one is plastic, thanks all for your help, John
2006-11-01 00:16:42 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the vehicle is in most other ways serviceable, fixing a radiator leak is very cost effective. Even if you decide to trade it off, it will be worth more if it does not leak from the radiator.
2006-11-01 00:26:07 · answer #1 · answered by Paul K 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I would fix it. Even if you take it to the shop, you would have a hard time finding a different car for anywhere near the same $200-400 it should cost to fix, unless you want to look at a rustbucket beater. If you want to do it cheaper, you can probably find a used radiator in the junk yard, and a repair manual like a Chilton's or Haynes manual should show you how to replace it yourself. That way you could probably get it done for less than $100. Good luck!
2006-11-01 08:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by Jonathan R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sure that the radiator is leaking then is worth replacing it. You could go to Auto Zone or Nappa and buy a new one (overhauled). Usually they will carry two different ones. A cheap one under $100 and their top of the line for $150. It's up to you. The only difference is the craftsmanship. I just went tru this with my friend's 1992 Ford Ranger. He decided to go for the cheap one and as soon we filled it up, we discovered that the manufacturer had tapped and drilled the mounting holes into the core. I pulled it back out and we got the $150 one. It worked fine it only took me about 20 min. each and you can do this with basic tools.
2006-11-01 08:37:15 · answer #3 · answered by jetech001 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A new radiator is less than $200. You can get one online. About $100 to have it installed.
2006-11-01 08:20:29 · answer #4 · answered by R1volta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say if it means alot to you then fix it its a car and it will be fixed and its an explorer i love them, but if you dont care about it and have the extra cash then take it in for parts exchange.
good luck
2006-11-01 08:20:33 · answer #5 · answered by kimzzooo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋