My gf's little sister got her '99 Civic almost 3 years ago. Since then, she hasn't changed out the radiator or have it flushed. About 5 weeks ago, she got off the freeway ramp and her car started smoking and temp needle went all the way up to 'hot'. The radiator had minor leak from the top part, she refilled the coolant and hasn't driven the car ever since.
What's the most feasible way to fix her car? I'm thinking of flushing her radiator and add 1/2 bottle of Bar's Leak to seal up her cooling system. If this doesn't work, she might have to change her radiator out. She's a college student and budget is tight. Anyone knowledgeable about cars please provide some input.
Also, is it against the city regulation to flush the radiator at home? We live in Orange County, CA

 

Either replace the radiator or have it rotted and core'd... I feel sorry for you cali guys... worried about flushing a radiator in your driveway.

 

Dont ever put anything intot he cooling system besides coolant it doesnt only go into your radiator but all over your motor and will destroy your motor and clog ports... replace the radiator and thats it get a new radiator

 

what aftermarket brand do you recommend?

 

i don't recommend aftermarket unless its like a Koyo or a mishimoto radiator but those are fullsize.. i would get an OEM my friend has a AutoZone radiator in his DSM and it has been replaced 5 times now... yay for warranty i guesS?

 

If you really need to save money, get one from Advance, it is about 80 bucks, OEM is like 350.

 

just go to a junk yard and pick one up. i got my d-series rad for $60 used.

 

And how much use do you think you'll get out of that old rad?

 

Replace. Prefferably a nice all aluminum one. Koyo, mishimoto etc. I had a mishi fullsize in my TSi and was very nice... seems like a lot of money at first but when you realize the long term effects of overheating your engine, it makes sense. do it right the first time. no cheap ****.

 

just buy one from autozone. its like $80 tops. dont forget about coolant and to bleed the cooling system after rad has been replaced, or it will overheat and cause other complications.

ive had my spectra radiator from autozone for 9 months, been driving 200 miles a week and its still good, no leaks,breaks, etc..

 

I vote for replacing as well.........


However, being broke and in college sometimes makes you need to rig something up for a while til you get the 100 to replace it.

I know of a kid that did fix his own radiator and its lasted over 2 years and is still going now. The crack on his was way up on the top in the plastic piece. He bought some junk out of lowes to fix cracks on home radiators (like in the house). Anyhow, you mix it up...apply, let the car sit for 6 hours or something, and it sets hard as a rock, and doesnt matter about the temperature.

Its like 8 bucks....worth a shot.

 

There is no problem with a used one if it is still in good shape. I also agree though if you can get one from auto zone for 80 that's not to unreasonable.

 

if youre going to post this nonsense go to facebook

and lol at this



YEAH Junkyard radiator woohoo good job

 

thanks guys for the helpful tips