300 TE radiator repair or replace?

[dka-66]

I have a 1989 300 TE with the m103 engine.

Water is leaking from the radiator tank where the upper transmission cooling line attaches, it is leaking where the brass fitting go's into the plastic tank.

Is it better to replace or to try to get this repaired?

In a thread I found someone (david s poole, If your out there) mentioned "aluminum shrinks over time and temp cycles so won't flow enough at idle.usual life is 5-7yrs."

I have never heard of this before and was wondering how many of you out there have heard this......and does it indeed make that big of a difference?

Here is the link to that thread radiator question

[mlozzi200478]

hey bro if it was me i wouldnt chance it i would replace it,for the cost of having it repaired versus the price of a nice new one its worth it,dont get me wrong there are some radiator repair men out there who can work miracles,but its like putting a bandaide over a cut artery its only gonna hold temporarily then its gonna explode,just get a new one,nice aluminum with plastic ends crimped on behr oem.goodluck.marc

[dka-66]

Yeah, I was leaning in that direction but figured I would get more input.

When I look up the radiators for my car there are a couple different sites that give 3 or more different Behr radiators. What gives with that?

...Also, Is there anyone out there that makes an all metal radiator? The only thing that would make me choose something other than the Behr would be an all metal radiator.

[ps2cho]

You probably have the old style...The updated one has strong hose outlets. I went with Nissens and I am very happy with mine. It holds temps at 95C in 115F heat.

[silversleeves]

Replace is the way to go... I am happy with my Nissens that I installed, relatively easy repair, no more than two hours...the clean up was the worst part as always!

I just had one repaired less than 4 months ago, guess what? It is leaking again, and it is a real pain to pull it out on a 190e 2.6. The tanks won't hold very long after they get done with them. I was going to buy a Nissens, but a member alerted me to the behr. It is OEM, and was telling me, that they have metal re-enforcing in the hose connections, as well. Anyway he told me replaced 10 years ago, and still no leaks! Not bad! I was in the process of replacing it, and the transmission quit shifting. It got put on hold for a transmission pull and build.

[Wodnek]

I would go with the Nissans, at least these are still made in europe. Behr is starting to outsource ...

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by Rebe

I just had one repaired less than 4 months ago, guess what? It is leaking again, and it is a real pain to pull it out on a 190e 2.6. The tanks won't hold very long after they get done with them. I was going to buy a Nissens, but a member alerted me to the behr. It is OEM, and was telling me, that they have metal re-enforcing in the hose connections, as well. Anyway he told me replaced 10 years ago, and still no leaks! Not bad! I was in the process of replacing it, and the transmission quit shifting. It got put on hold for a transmission pull and build.

Nissens is also OE and has the reinforced outlets. It is only the older style models that do not have the reinforced outlets....Either brand will be sufficient, I just personally recommend Nissens.

Wodnek wants you to use a Nissans radiator in it. I don't think those Japanese radiators are made in Europe.

[mlozzi200478]

just another note,mines 21 years old still original behr there great it spent 20 years in miami,heat. now its in the cold new england weather.holding firm,great hose connector ends.

My repair charge on mine was 110 dollars. It made the 30 day warranty, but only by a few more months. When I took it back apart I was checking the behr thermostat I purchased from All Parts Express to check the temperature on it. It was the correct one. Later as I was getting some things at the auto parts store I noticed there thermostats & how cheap they looked in comparison. I know the behr radiators are a bit more money, but I wouldn't scoff at the price. You will more than likely get what you pay for!

[mlozzi200478]

you know its funny,but when i replaced my old iroc-z radiator it was a behr,it was also one of the best plastic crimped end radiators i ever had,i used to 1/4 mile drag the car and it really kept the engine cool.best of luck.