Ryan Lwin

Hey guys, so I did the pressure test on my cooling system today because I was losing coolant in reservoir almost every two days. Coolant stay fine in the radiator. Everytime I open the cap, it's full. But I was concerned and did the pressure test and found that it's leaking from my radiator. The crack is not very big I guess because no leak until 12 psi and higher of pressure. The weird thing is that radiator is still holding the pressure. I'm guessing it's still holding pressure below 12 psi.

Here's where it is leaking from.


My question is, is there anyways to fix it or do I need new radiator? I am low on budget but I know this is gonna get worse each day especially since it's a pressurized system.

Also, are DENSO radiator any good? I checked dealer and that's the one they sell for $300 but at DENSO website, it's only $55???

Buckshot870

For now you could use some epoxy and seal it up, but I highly recommend to start saving now for a new radiator.

Ryan Lwin

I thought about it. But the problem is that the leak is coming from between the metal and plastic. There's no actual visible crack. But I will try that tomorrow morning. Have to do the test again and find the exact crack.

axis11

Save up for a new radiator. For the meantime, crimp those clamps in the vicinity of the leak a little bit. A rubber gasket is between the plastic and aluminum part of the radiator. Other form of sealant will have no effect unless you can make a good seal between the two surfaces.

The black line you see around the sides of the radiator is the rubber gasket.

Ryan Lwin

Hey. Thanks. I was afraid of doing that. I will give that a try. I guess my seal went bad.

axis11

No need to rip everything apart. Just apply a little crimping pressure in the clamps to where the leak is coming from. Dont touch the rest. CAUTION, if you dont do it right, you will have more leak.

Ryan Lwin

Ok. I did what you said. I used a flat head screw driver, put the flat tip on each clamp and using a plier, hit it not too soft not too hard twice. I did that on both sides around the leaking part just to balance it and I pressure tested it again. It seems like it's holding the pressure now and no more leak. Thanks. I'm not sure how long it will last but it's doing ok now.

I noticed that some of the clamps were not even touching the plastic part especially around where the leak was. I don't know if it's supposed to be like that on purpose but that's just what I saw.

axis11

I say again, save up for a new radiator. The one I opened is now more than 3 months in use and still leak free. However, there is no guarantee how long it will last. Check out this radiator overhaul link.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/diy-radiator-repair-3129183/

Ryan Lwin

Well. A lot of people on that thread saying it's dirt cheap to replace new one. I must disagree to that as a college student living on ramen noodle. Haha. Well, now this gave me some time to save up for new radiator. I saw DENSO brand for $50 at DENSO website. Is that the same one they sell at dealer? Dealer site says it's DENSO radiator and it cost $300.

jonsey1886

They don't called it the StealerShip for nothing kid.

Buckshot870

Yes this DENSO radiator will work, I suggest you start saving before more problems, and more money output, occurs.

http://www.densoproducts.com/product.aspx?zpid=9118

xile6

Happen to me.
Was driving and it over heated. Got home pop the hood and got spray in the face becaus it cracked and spray out.

I drain it and wrap it down then use quick steel to seal it. Lasted long enough for my to order a eBay dual core rad. I think it was $50-60 ship. Been using it for over a year I problems. Also always hated the plastic rad.

Former User

Stop gambling and taking short cuts. You risk destroying your engine by overheating. Replace the radiator.

redcoats1976

what he said.a new radiator is cheap compared to a new engine, overheating a little 4 cylinder is a disaster...

Ryan Lwin

Ok. I don't think anyone really read it. It's not overheating. I'm checking coolant level everytime I drive. It's holding up to 12 PSI of pressure. Cooling systems do not reach 16 PSI all the time or all the caps would be failing everyday on these cars. I don't have that much money to spend right now.

Seriously? Nobody reads anymore? I even stated that coolant level is always at max, meaning the system barely reaches 12 PSI. I also stated that after tightening down the clamps, it's holding 16 PSI. If I'm not wrong, I said this gives me time to save up. Also, I'm not flooring the car like a dumb kid. I don't go pass 3k RPM even on freeway. 3k RPM gets me 70 MPH at 5th gear. Which is more than enough speed.

Wow people..

Also, I have a pressure tester that I'm using every morning before I start driving AND I have a spill free funnel to make sure that there's no bubbles in the system.

Former User

Your title says it all:

So my response stands:

HondaPartsHero

Inb4 head gasket thread

Ryan Lwin

I know. I appreciate your input and I know that's what I need to do. But I can't charge the title to say temporarily solved or not overheating or partially holding the pressure. Thought the content of the thread matter also. But yes. It seems like I got more time to save up.

Gasket recently replaced. Tested multiple ways to ensure it sealing and working.

kyden

it's under $75 for one from a local parts store, with a lifetime warranty. just replace it.

Ryan Lwin

Wanna donate?

dseriesboulder

iTrader: (1)

i don't think people are realizing the fact that your broke and dont have the cash for a new rad. If i had an extra and you were close by, id give you one. $50 isnt bad at all for a rad and ill be getting one soon enough..lol

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

I remember being that kinda broke.