300 TE radiator repair or replace?
 

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 http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=282189&highlight=300te+radiator

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Thanks for all the information. I think it is safe to say "I love this forum"......Well that and that I need to get off (or maybe it is on) my butt and order a radiator so I can get my car back on the road.

I can't believe Behr is starting to outsource......I guess no one is immune.

......and Nissens are made in Europe?

I believe IIRC mine said made in Denmark.

Well, I guess Denmark is better than Mexico......Right? Or is Denmark the equivalent of Mexico or China.

Hell, many domestic vehicles are built in Mexico or Canada. At this point, I do not think it matters.

I too vote for a new radiator. Besides, do you even know how old this part is currently installed? 10 years/100k is as far as I like to push a radiator.

Check the hoses while it is open, make sure it has the proper coolant, and examine that expansion tank. Tanks are bright white when new, if yours is old and yellowed... order one up too.

For the most part I think your right, It's probably because a lot of companies send their lower line of product to be manufactured in other countries so many think the quality is lower......Like Fender Musical instruments, the made in Mexico guitars are the "lower" line and the USA ones are the "top" of the line. Funny thing is you can pay less for a "Made in Mexico" guitar made by Mexicans or pay a bunch more for a "Made in America" guitar and they are also made by Mexicans:laugh3:

Back on topic. If the quality is there I guess it does not matter.

My TE had about 124,000 miles on it and I got it for a real nice price knowing that the valve guides and seals would need to be done. We drove it for a while and then it started over heating so I decided it was time to dig in. I pulled the head and sent it to the shop, replaced the oil pan gasket, timing chain, timing chain guides, timing chain tensioner, viscous fan clutch, belt tensioner, new belts, water pump, and maybe a few other things I am missing.
The hoses were fine when I took it apart (no leaks), I start it up and I guess the water pump might have been losing it's spunk for a while because there were leaks at a couple of hoses, the Aux water pump, and at the line mentioned on the radiator.

Also, When I got the it had green anti-freeze in it, It was one of the things I forgot to ask about (there were receipts from an import shop for maintenance and repairs) and never thought that it could mess stuff up like it did. WOW!!!!! everything was gunked up from that stuff. I wish I took pictures and documented everything.

Thank you for mentioning the reservoir and overflow tanks, I did not see any leaks but they are definitely yellow and by chance I saw a picture of a new one and was wondering if mine would be an issue. I will pick up a new one.

Wow! It seems you have really went the limit on the repairs you have done there. It's time that te backed off the pressure a little on you. You gotta luv 'em!

Think about it. Provided the new radiator meets the manufacturer's specifications it really doesn't matter where it's made. A manufacturer is not going to risk its reputation by having inferior quality products bearing its name made in another country.

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!

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.