1988 Mitsubishi Magna Cooling Issue

MITSUBISHI
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HILARY
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Hi.

i have a Mitsubishi Magna made in 1988. I need to get my radiator fixed but im unsure whether to buy a second hand radiator or get my current one fixed? I really have no clue when it comes to cars so sorry if this question is completely stupid :oops: I just need to work out the cheapest way to fix it and not sure what i should do next. I do no that the hoses are ok and the reservoir tank is good. Hope im not wasting anyones time with such a silly question. Thnx in advance for any help :)
Jan 6, 2007 at 5:20 PM
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NICKTAYLOR24890112
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In UK we have a sealant product called Radseal. This could be the answer to your problem.

A new radiator on an old car can be expensive. If youn do have to reaplce it, but second hand and try to trade your damaged radiator in as a part exchange.
Jan 6, 2007 at 6:12 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Not a silly question at all. IF I had to choose between a used rad or repairing the old one, I'd go for the repair.
USed parts are okay in some instances, lenses, glass etc. When you get into the mechanical side of used parts, it is a real crapshoot. You made end up with one worse than your current one.
Here in Niagara Falls, I don't think there are any places that repair them anymore. The last one that did it had stopped a year ago.
Look around for a new one, ebay, our sponsors, local parts stores; you may find a deal.

As far as the Radseal goes, I would stay away from it. The problem is that is doesn't know the difference between a leak and a coolant passageway. More often than not it plugs up heater cores, radiator, thermostats & such, creating more problems than relieving.
Jan 6, 2007 at 10:35 PM
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HILARY
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tyvm for ur responses. turns out i was completely missing the belt for the water pump lol. so got that fixed and its all good :)
Jan 7, 2007 at 4:39 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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:lol:
Often a technician get get too techincal in an approach and miss a basic cause as wel.
Jan 7, 2007 at 9:16 PM

Suggested Repair

Prefer repairing the existing radiator over a used unit, avoid stop-leak sealant, and compare prices for a new radiator. In this case the cooling problem was a missing water pump belt, which was replaced.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Mitsubishi Magna asked whether to buy a used radiator or repair the current one, noting the hoses and reservoir were fine. Advice favored repairing the original radiator, warned that used mechanical parts are unreliable, and recommended avoiding radiator sealant because it can clog cooling passages. The owner later found the water pump belt was missing and replacing it resolved the issue.

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