New radiator: Nissens or Behr?
 

My radiator has developed a slight leak at the interface between the plastic tank and the the metal fin portion, right where the metal crimps over the plastic.

Is this common?

If a new radiator is recommended, what brand should I buy? I'd like to get Behr, but the Nissens is quite a bit cheaper. Any thoughts/experience?

Thanks!

I prefer nissens now after having both.

Either choice will be fine.

Behr is for the traditionalists.

Answer
 

FYI: The Nissens has better/newer plastics technology = durability. :thumbsup2:
It is also lower cost. :)


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you could theoretically fix this leak with JB weld for now, but the OEM plastic gets super brittle, so a lot of times its worth it to just change out the whole radiator just to be safe. Having the upper hose plastic pipe end break off is a relatively common problem.

I had this happen at 75mph, was spectacular! :D

I think the consensus is that the Nissens has an improved neck which prevents premature failure that typically happens with plastic neck of the Behr unit.

Have one of each on my cars.....haven't seen a disadvantage to either, the nissens is a better price for an equally good (if not better) part.

I installed a Nissen in the gold E300 and a Behr in the silver E300 within the past year. I had to trim some plastic off of the edge of the Nissen to get it to fit properly. I can't tell a difference between the two as far as cooling goes. .

The original radiator in the gold car developed a crack below the upper neck that I used JB Weld to patch up. The radiator is still usable but it does seep through from the area where the JB Weld was used to make the patch. The original radiator in the silver one got destoyed when the wife rear ended an old Bronco with a 4" pipe rear bumper:rolleyes:.

The only radiator I have ever had a problem with was the new Behr I bought for my 300E. Almost immediately, the integral trans cooler began allowing coolant into the transmission. Unfortunately, I didn't catch that until it was too late.:(

Love the Nissens I have in my wagon. It was originally in the '84. When the Behr gave out in the '85 I had the Nissens waiting in the wings. Glad to have it back in service again.

The new Nissens is made in Denmark, the new Behrs are made in China.
That should say it all.