radiator repair

It's not so hard to remove. If it is like mine then the top is plastic and it cracks up there and leaks fluid. You really can't repair it up in the plastic area so it is better to get a new one. Aftermarket ones are not very expensive.

Yeah, the tanks are plastic. My '93 sprung a leak last fall and I just replaced it.

I don't know if your '96 is like my '93, but I'd pick up a Haynes manual first [or maybe the library has one]. My cooling fan is run off the power steering fluid -- I'd never seen that set up before, so it's nice to review the procedure first.

thanks for the replies.

autozone is $160, oreilly $170.

I don't know if your '96 is like my '93, but I'd pick up a Haynes manual first [or maybe the library has one]. My cooling fan is run off the power steering fluid -- I'd never seen that set up before, so it's nice to review the procedure first.

My 94 Camry radiator cracked on the top last year and I sucessfully repaired the crack. I first drained the radiator down below the top of the core. Next, cleaned the top with MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). I heated the top with a heat gun. This draws out any antifreeze which may still be present in the crack. Use a sanding disk to remove the paint. Go only deep enough to remove the paint. Use a heat gun to soften the plastic. Use a piece of 1/4 steel rod which has been rounded and is red hot. Melt the crack together. After the crack has been melted together, roughen the area with a piece 24 grit paper or the edge of a rough grind stone. Degrease the area one more time. Cut a piece of reinforcing mesh sized to fit the damage area. Mix and apply Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) to the mesh and the damaged area. Apply the mesh and smooth the surface. Do not use JB Weld because it will not hold up to the heat or antifreeze. It does not posess the properties necessary for a long term repair. Another method of repair is with a plastic welder. I have not used ond but have heard it is possible.

Very easy to remove. Drain , remove the two radiator to engine hoses , overflow hose , two transmission lines on the bottom tank of radiator and the two brackets on top that hold the radiator in place. Only one bolt in each bracket. Now unplug the cooling fan wires and lift it out. The radiator has no bottom attachment as it sits in an indentation on rubber pads. Maybe a 30 minute job at the most.

I don't think you would have much success at repairing one , but I could be wrong. To me , the peace of mind is worth a lot , and, sometimes overheating can be a very serious mattter resulting in some major damage and some big repair bills.

A new radiator at one of the discount parts houses (Advance , Auto Zone etc) will be in the neighborhood of 160.00. I would go the new route since this is something that can leave you up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Just my opinion. Ken Day