Crack in top tank of radiator

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GTO
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Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

I came home and noticed pink coolant under my 2002 2700i Hilux, the top tank of the radiator has a fine straight crack a 10cm long about midway on the engine side.
It took me a while to figure out where it was leaking but if squeeze the bottom hose I can see the coolant coming out of the crack.
Can this plastic tank be fixed by a radiator repair shop or is it better to get a new radiator?
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by Thabogrobler »

Not fixable.

Shop around for a new radiator BUT first measure the thickness for the existing one's core. Take a thin wire and push is through the radiator until you can feel it on the other side. Now extract and measure.

Make sure you get the same or thicker radiator - thinner one will at some point cause overheating.
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

Thanks for the tip.
Probably going to buy from Radiator King, I have bought from them before and their service was very good.
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by Bear »

Plastic can be welded. Depends on the workmanship of how good it will hold. For the sake of reliability I suggest to get a new one.
Radiator King seems to be a specialists in radiators, by the name. Phone around to the local spares shops. You may just get it cheaper.

Regarding Thabo’s point. They are cores. There is a three core, four core etc. Take a sample if possible.
Extra cores provide much more efficient cooling, no disadvantage. Less cores = to what Thabo said.
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

They have 2 types a Genuine one and a cheaper aftermarket one.
Genuine is R 3190 and aftermarket R 1490.
I have ordered the Genuine one will collect later today.
I am taking my old radiator with me to compare.
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

Radiator King reckon the top tank is more prone to cracking due to hot water input there.
My top tank is a different colour to bottom one, bottom is black top brown colour?
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by Bear »

While the radiator is out do a good flush through the block with a hose. Check if the thermostat is still good, no corrosion, the rubber seal is ok. Use a genuine antifreeze, preferably the Toyota one. The ones from Auto Zone and Midas are not good.
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

Installed new radiator yesterday late afternoon during load shedding!(no point sitting at the office doing nothing)

I have used the Toyota coolant for years now after reading about how good it was on this forum, I rarely have cooling system issues since switching to it.
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by Bear »

I hope all is right now.
Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.
Adventure tends to magnify all human emotions.
It's only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves.
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

Bear wrote: Fri Oct 18, 2019 4:04 pm I hope all is right now.
All good thankfully
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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Re: Crack in top tank of radiator

Post by GTO »

Last night i decided to strip off the tanks of the old radiator.
PIC 1:
Inside of top tank(bottom one in pic) is white powdery in colour also spout where hose goes on is brittle I scrape the plastic away with my finger nail!
PIC 2:
Crack in top tank where it was leaking.
PIC 3:
Colour difference of outside plastic is very noticeable, brown for top tank(bottom one in pic) and black for bottom tank.(new radiator both tanks black).
Attachments
20191021_183129.jpg
20191021_183106.jpg
20191021_183050.jpg
2002 Hilux 2700i 4x4 DC(facelift)
1995 Hilux 2.4 SRX Raider(4x2) Still my favourite!
1985 Suzuki DR600S
1984 Honda ATC200ES BIG RED
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