I discovered a radiator leak a day or two ago in my '97 Camry.

Two years ago I hit a deer (Bambi-sized, head-on impact, rolled under the car), and it warped the AC condenser, radiator, and a few other frontal pieces. The lowest part of my front bumper cracked in half but didn't break off.

We actually didn't see any damage until several months later when the car was up on a lift. Unfortunately the insurance money from that went to fix another problem that was more pressing, so nothing has been fixed.

It hasn't leaked at all until now, which I'm pretty happy about.


I know there's one crack, possibly two. They both appear to be at the top of the radiator. Is this something I can fix with a little JB-weld? Or will I need a new radiator (also meaning a new AC condenser and whatever else was warped by the impact)?

Since I discovered the leak I've been adding a little water at a time; I'll probably go buy some coolant tonight.

Unfortunately I have to use this car to drive to Myrtle Beach this weekend.



Suggestions?

9/30/2010 1:09:56 PM

Replace the whole radiator and never worry about it again. Or jb weld and keep fingers crossed

9/30/2010 1:30:34 PM

I was thinking:

Short term -- JB-weld, keep adding coolant/water, keep an eye on it.

Long term -- replace.

Unfortunately this leads to the question of "Replace what?" since things are warped/moved around. Obviously the radiator, but I'm sure that more will need to be replaced, and money is tight right now.


Figured I would ask first though, since you guys are more knowledgeable than I...

[Edited on September 30, 2010 at 1:46 PM. Reason : ]

9/30/2010 1:41:28 PM

I hear that a BFH can help with the warping.

9/30/2010 1:47:22 PM

Shit on replacing anything but the radiator right now. That's the one component in front there that's absolutely necessary for your engine to run and not blow a head gasket/crack head/generally fuck up.

Don't even give JB Weld a second thought; it will NOT hold up under pressure, especially because the crack will spread under pressure...and JB Weld neither flexes well under pressure nor does it adhere very well to the radiator tank. You will be very momentarily delaying the inevitable. I've even done epoxy and fiberglass over a tank many years ago with equally shitty results...in less than 20 miles.

Bottom line: REPLACE the radiator, and don't worry about the AC stuff. You can drive a car with all the AC's refrigerant leaked out. You can't drive a car with all of your coolant leaked out...well, not very far. Everything else can be bent back into position fairly decently and easily.

9/30/2010 1:59:02 PM

^

9/30/2010 2:21:05 PM

Thanks for all the advice.

Looks like I'll be able to drive my wife's car this weekend, which is good news.

I'll get the radiator replaced ASAP but it will be a few days. I just have this feeling that I'll get half the front end taken off, try to fit the new radiator on, and go "Crap...it won't fit... "

9/30/2010 2:24:13 PM

I can do this for you at a reasonable price...it would have to be on Sunday, though.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Radiator-Ready-Rad_19920018-P_31_R|GRPCOOLAMS_1443161737___

Pretty damn cheap.

9/30/2010 2:43:11 PM

As a followup, I bought a new radiator and replaced it last weekend with a friend. No issues so far...it is nice to pull up to stoplights and not have steam coming up from leaking coolant.

The new radiator fit just fine behind the warped condenser, although it isn't in the original factory position. However, it is in the same position that the original radiator sat for 2.5 years after I hit the deer, so hopefully it will be fine.


Thanks for all the advice!

[Edited on November 16, 2010 at 11:17 AM. Reason : ]

11/16/2010 11:13:12 AM

Lol

11/16/2010 11:17:34 AM