Hi,

I installed my K&N Typhoon today and must have somehow nicked the radiator when I took the radiator fan off (or when I put it back). I didn't realize it until I got back after a test drive. When the radiator was hot, it was squirting out a tiny but steady steam of radiator fluid (green stuff).

It has now stopped squirting, but that's probably because my radiator is drained.

Anyway, I need some advise. What are my options now? Is a radiator repairable?? Or do I need to get a new one? Should I take it to my dealer and have them fix it?

Please help.

Thanks,
K

 

Dealer will replace the whole thing.
A radiator shop can fix it, but you will have to remove it from the car and take it to them.

How small of a hole is it? Are we talking pin hole or larger?

 

PWR rad. cost is about 500.

 

timzcat,

I can't see the the hole, but I think it's a small one (pinhole).


modvp,

Thanks for the suggestion. But $500 is way more than I wanted to spend. If I have to replace the whole radiator, I'll settle for OEM.

 

Take it out, go to a radiator shop and have it repaired...no big deal...

 

oem =$750 , pwr=$450-500

 

Aluminum radiators are very fragile, and very expensive.

See if you can find a cheaper, sturdier alternative.

 

OnlineAlias,
For me, taking the radiator out seems to be big deal. I'm not even sure where to begin!


mat55,
You were right about those prices! I called my dealer and they said the OEM radiator was $808!! Yipes!


g6civcx,
Thanks for your response. That's what I'm trying to do now.... I've been calling around. One of the radiator shops said that the Mitsu radiator is "plastic/aluminum" and that those are not even fixable.

I've called Radiator.com. Their sales dept. says they have an OEM-style radiator for $199 for the 2003 Evo. But then their "service" dept (they don't actually do the install, they just find some local shop for you that would) says they don't even have a radiator for the Evo because it's too new. They said the $199 is probably for the 2003 Lancer, not the Evo.


Any more suggestions/comments are appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

JB WELD

This is why I asked you how big the hole was. IF it's just a pin hole then it will work and will last forever.

 

I say just go PWR and enjoy the benfits of a lighter, higher performance radiator as punishment for your install error.

My 2 cents

 

I used JB weld and it seemed to hold ok. Not sure how well it would work in the long run with the expansion/contraction of the aluminum. I eventually just yanked out the radiator and took it to a local shop, who fixed it for about $80. I did find a guy who claimed to have a stock radiator for sale, but he took my money and prompty disappeared. So be careful. If you removed the radiator fan, then you've done most of the work you need to remove your radiator. After that it's a couple hoses and two bolts. Be sure to have a bucket to catch the coolant from the lower radiator hose.

 

I'm going to try to repair it first and if that doesn't work, then get the PWR or whatever aftermarket radiator I can find later.

How can I remove the lower radiator hose? From the bottom of the car (i.e. lift car up)??

Thanks

 

I did and love it BUT it was "preformance mod" and that VOIDED my warranty , no **** , I dont think it that much lighter

 

Those goons at Radiator.com called me back and said they DO have a radiator for the Evo. It's from Koyo.

So I went to their warehouse to pick one up. Then I dropped it off at my local mechanic to have it installed.

Koyo radiator - $189 + tax
Installation - $100
Coolant - $ 5
-------------------------
Total: $294

$294 down the drain... Sigh...

 

Koyo? Is that a good brand? $100 for a radiator install? Seriously, if you have the radiator fan out that's the hardest thing. All you have to do is remove the access panel on the front undertray and use pliers to unclamp the lower radiator hose. Undo the top two hoses (one big one and one small one) and remove two bolts. The radiator should literally just lift out then. I'd be wary of a $189 radiator. The stock radiator is by Calsonic, which is one of the leading manufacturers in japan.