is there any reason a rad would just crack or is it crappy oem parts????

 

It's my understanding that many manufacturers have gone away from precious metals because of high cost. I was informed on here that debris stuck in the fins of the radiator contribute to failure over time. Mine recently went bad in June. Mine was cracked at the top. They are so affordable these days. A bad themorstat can also be a factor too.

 

If a radiator is 20 years old...



...is it really crappy?

 

In all honesty, I have not owned a Honda yet with more than 100K that the radiator wasn't leaking at the top or bottom seal, or was not cracked at a radiator hose connection. Just a "feature" of the plastic top and bottom caps pressed to aluminum fins! My current '00 Accord LX is leaking at the bottom right now!

 

In case you haven't noticed, many vehicles after 2000 have been designed for a shorter shelf life. They did it on purpose so that consumers will ditch their problems and but a new one. IMO, parts are no longer designed to last forever. If that were to happen, they would be out of business. I feel you man. So far, I've gone through 2 radiators since 2003. Oem was cracked and the after market cracked also. I'm on the 3rd one, and I don't expect it to last more than 2 years.