just came back from the mechanic. i have a hairline crack, approx 1.5 - 2.00 inches long of the top plastic portion of the radiator. he wants almost 600.00 to replace. rest of radiator is fine. couldn't this be repaired with Marine Tex or a epoxy of some sort.

We have a NEW Nissens radiator for sale in the fast lane for $215.00... assuming you have a late '80s 126 chasis.

I have used these radiators before when price was an issue and they seem to be a very good alternative to the OE unit.

I have had great luck with them.

You can order right from the top of your screen. It will be at your house in a few days.

I have seen people try to repair these...Why would you risk overheating your car?

Vinny...
 

It starts with a small hairline crack, and gets worse. I looked into having the tank replaced on my car's radiator, but was told that they never seal correctly. If you have an older style radiator, the upper hose connector will also break soon, and the newer ones have a metal sleeve insert that lasts much longer.

The Nissens Radiators are Danish. Don't confuse them with "Nissan". These radiators are made to nearly exact specifications of the original BEHR radiators.

Radiator tank cracked
 

Good radiator shops can replace the top with a new one. Cost should be less than $100 total. It takes an expensive machine to loosen and retighten the 'crimps' holding the top on to the core, and only radiator repair shops can afford them.

One CAN patch the crack using fiber-glass just like patching sheet metal. Roughen up the surface with 100 grit sandpaper to give the patch something to bite. May buy you years of service. May fail in a few weeks. Just don't overdo the hardener or it will be too brittle.

Don't patch it!
 

In SD, "Miramax Radiator" replaces the tank(s), cleans and reseals it for around $100. But they have the 'machine'!

The $215 price is hard to beat, and you can do it yourself in the driveway! Hard to beat.

Don't patch it, it's not worth the aggravation.