Radiator Leakage

[[ion] C2]

So I found tonight that the bottom two rows of fins on my radiator have coolant all over them (and subsequently, the plastic shroud below it and air dam are also dripping with coolant).

Radiator is the source.

Must be a cracked tube. Stupid, this radiator was brand new as of January 2012, got it on RockAuto, it's a Spectra. Supposedly 2 year 24,000 mile warranty but no idea how to cash in on that offer.

What the hell causes this to happen?

[a.graham52]

FM signals generated from hogwarts.

[zzyzzx]

That's why you should buy your radiators locally. Last time I checked the prices were almost the same. My 1995 Ford Escort has had a nuisance leak from the radiator for more then 10 years. I haven't bothered fixing it yet because new radiators with plastic side tanks are crap too. If I bother to replace it, I will use an all aluminum one, since a crappy plastic radiator is something like $85 + tax vs around $110 shipped for an all aluminum one.

I do use stop leak on that car and it helps quite a bit. I know people say not to use it, but in more than 10 years of using it, it hasn't caused a problem yet. I don't use a whole bottle of it, more like 1/4 at a time.

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

What the hell causes this to happen?

Radiators with plastic side tanks often leak in the winter since the plastic and aluminum expand at different rates. It may even not leak during the next summer! In your case I am not sure if that was the cause, but cheap child labor in Indonesioa or China along with the cheapest materials and poor design add it. It's all about or race to the bottom since most consumers will only buy the cheapest one available and that drives down the quality over time.

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

Stupid, this radiator was brand new as of January 2012, got it on RockAuto, it's a Spectra. Supposedly 2 year 24,000 mile warranty but no idea how to cash in on that offer.

Rock auto probably wants you to mail it back to them, but what did they say when you contacted them?

[[ion] C2]

The radiator I was going to get locally was the same brand, just $50 more, but lifetime warranty and quick swap out at AutoZone.

Yeah I'd love to get a nice all aluminum bar and plate radiator. I might try to hold this leak off while I save up for that. If I can find the leak point I could pinch and roll it to seal.

I didn't contact RockAuto, I was just looking around at receipts and the link to the warranty and Spectra's website, with no real information on how to follow through on the warranty.

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

I didn't contact RockAuto, I was just looking around at receipts and the link to the warranty and Spectra's website, with no real information on how to follow through on the warranty.

You most likely have to go through Rock Auto. I did find someone mentioning that Rock Auto shipped them a new one and they used the box to mail back the old one. Presumably they still charge you then credit you when they get the defective one back.

[Redog]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

it's a Spectra.

There's the problem