Radiator Opinions (MAC)

[Lawrence C Leung]

Thanks for the opinion. I don't really think I can re-seal a plastic
endcap, but fortunately, IMHO, the 5K's radiator is not too hard to get
to if I go for repair (not!), not too different overall a job than for
the 4KQ (which was a curious arrangement IMHO). 

LL - NY

On Sun, 11 Mar 2001 14:24:08 -0500 (EST) Andrew Sitzer
<sitzman at core.binghamton.edu> writes:
>Hey Larry,  I cant offer any input on brass v plastic, but I can tell 
>you
>I was able to get a lifetime warranteed radiator afor my 5ks bout 3 
>years
>ago for  approx $150.  It took some calling around, and if I remember
>correctly I got it from cap-a-radiator in long island; or, if they 
>cant
>help try  clearway foreign auto.  So far I have had no problems with 
>it.
>I think the manufacturer was modine, though I am not positive.
>
>
>As a side note, before I got this radiator I had been having serious
>radiator problems (like every 6 months it would spring a leak and my
>local mechanic would charge me an arm and a leg to repair it.)  IMHO
>replacing it was a much better choice then having them boil/dip it or
>whatever they did.
>-Andrew Sitzer
>
> On Sun, 11 Mar 2001, Lawrence C Leung wrote:
>
>> Okay,
>>
>> Let me get this straight:
>>
>> Advantages of Brass Radiators - repairable when they start to go.
>> Advantages of Aluminum/Plastic Radiators - less weight
>>
>> Does anyone have a comparison of the weight differences?
>> Does anyone have an estimated life of brass? Aluminum?
>>
>> I have 163 k miles on my aluminum and it appears it is leaking out 
>an
>> endcap. Not severe yet, but it's obviously going. Are end caps 
>repairable
>> (and is it worth the bother?)? I am of the opinion that 162 K and 11 
>yrs
>> is pretty reasonable for a radiator to go.
>>
>> Finally, any good North East sources for either type?
>>
>> LL - NY '89 200Q
>>
>