Radiator Crack

1992 500SL. I had noticed that I was losing a small amount of coolant so following the advice of the group here, I went into the dealer to have him look into the problem. The service writer told me that it could be a $9 dollar hose replacement or a $900 radiator. He then called over a mechanic who pressurized the cooling system and pointed out bubbles coming from a miniscule, previously invisible, 1/8 inch long hairline crack running on the top of the radiator between the hose clamp on the drivers side back of the radiator and the small nozzle on the top of the radiator. Before putting the system under pressure, the hairline crack was not visable. Under pressure, very small bubbles were coming out of this hairline crack. The mechanic said $900 radiator replacement and that it needs to be done ASAP and that the car should really not be driven until this is done. Does this sound correct? Thanks JR

[jeneric21]

You should definitely monitor the amount of fluid that is leaking. I would not recommend driving the car for any long duration.

I had a hairline crack on the Honda Prelude's radiator awhile back. Instead of purchasing a new one, my shop welded the crack shut which solved the problem. I know the dealer will not weld it so you will have to go to an independent shop.

Eric

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'00 E430 w/ Solaris H-7's
Brabus 19'' Monoblock V, 2 piece
H&R Sport Springs

'99 SLK230 Sport

[Benzmac]

We would only do a new radiator in this situation. The plastic is brittle and the radiator will blow and leave you on the side of the road. Take it from me!!

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

jlroe, If your radiator was manufactured by Behr, and it has a plastic header and side tanks, here is an alternate solution to your ploblem that I used when faced with a similiar situation about four years ago. Seek out an independent radiotor repair shop in your area that replaces the plastic tanks with genuine Behr replacements parts and have them make the repairs. Far less costly and just as effective a repair. Moreover, if your current radiator has a plastic header tank and the upper hose connection does not have a reinforced brass sleeve inside that neck, the Behr replacement header tank hose connection will. If unable to locate a repair shop in your immediate area, check the classified ads in The Star magazine. There are several shops listed that make these repairs if you don't mind a small delay and UPS shipping charges. Hope you find this info usefull.

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Fred Prickett
85 500 SEL, 241,500 mi
90 5.0 Mustang LX conv.