Hairline crack in radiator

[kkeo211]

My water pump failed on me this weekend and while replacing it I found a hairline crack in the top(plastic) portion of the radiator, just under the upper hose. I may have damaged the radiator while removing the fan but I'm not sure. The crack is very small, about a half inch long, but I can see just the finest bit of coolant coming out of it (maybe an ounce a day). I was wondering if any of you guys had luck with radiator patch kits? I see a kit on Amazon that I'm thinking about picking up.

Any advice would be great. Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009MZI4M/?tag=gmtnation-20

 

[djthumper]

I have had success with those kits but you need to make sure the area is clean and dry.

 

[kkeo211]

Thanks for the response. I figured for 9 bucks I might as well give it a shot and maybe it would give me a little more time. If it does not work, I'll just replace the radiator but hoping that with such a small crack it will work good enough.

 

[smt 59]

Once you complete the repair you should perform a cooling system pressure test to ensure it is holding.

 

[kkeo211]

I looked at getting the pressure testing kit, but at 90 bucks I figured I would just replace the radiator if the patch fails.

 

[DocBrown]

JB Waterweld works wonders for this type of repair.

 

[roughtony]

Thanks for sharing. This is the first time I have heard of radiator patches.

 

[kkeo211]

Well I tried the radiator repair kit and JB water weld and it is still leaking a little bit at the neck. I didn't feel like fussing with it to much so a friend that works at a shop ordered me a used radiator for 50 bucks.

 

[kkeo211]

Just replaced the radiator last night. What is PITA, but all is well again.