Crack in radiator

2004 NISSAN ALTIMA
20,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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TKAYB8
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  • 2 POSTS
I was just wondering if you could use joint and crack sealer exhaust seal on a radiator.
Jun 6, 2022 at 10:15 PM
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STEVE W.
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No. There isn't much that sticks to the engineering plastic they use for radiators. Plus, it has to handle the pressures that try to expand the crack. I have plastic welded cracks before but only when parts are either unavailable or very expensive.
The best solution is to replace the radiator. On that car it's not that hard, you drain the coolant, disconnect the lines and fans and lift the entire fan and radiator assembly out at the same time. Then you swap the fans over to the replacement unit and install them as an assembly. That system can be difficult to purge the air out of without a vacu-fill system, you can usually get them as loaner tools.
Jun 6, 2022 at 10:34 PM
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TKAYB8
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Thank you so very much.
Jun 7, 2022 at 8:00 AM
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STEVE W.
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 15,146 POSTS
You are welcome.
Jun 7, 2022 at 10:53 AM