taffelman

Hi

I need to fix my radiator as it leaks in the seal between the plastic side tank and the core (top of the passenger side)

I got an estimate about $150 for the tank replacement job from a local radiator shop if I supply the new parts myself and deliver only the radiator to them. That also includes a pressure test, but no warranty as they don't sell the parts. I have no idea if this is a fair price or not.

I've just spent over $3000 to get my Chrysler Voyager through MOT inspection so the car repair budget is a bit tight this month. I am wondering if replacing the side tank is possible as a DIY job? I've got loads of tools incl. a air compressor for pressure testing etc... but if I where to give it a try myself first, should I get some sort of special pliers or other special tools?

And who was it that sold new tanks/seals? The car is a ROW 1990 S4 Auto.

s928s

I just had mine flushed and the side tank replaced at a local read shop, it was aprox. $110.00. But no repair was needed for the core. I got my parts from Roger at

http://www.928srus.com/

He is a sponsor here on the site, very reasonable prices and super fast service.. I believe is was around $100.00 shipped.

Still less than a $800+ new radiator.

Stephencs601

Wait until you can afford an aluminum ONE piece radiator. It is worth the investment. The stock radiators suck. The three piece thing is prone to leaks and not great at cooling either. I changed to the one piece and have not had any problems and great cooling capabilities. Good Luck

taffelman

Yeah I know, the 928motorsport alu radiator is on my shopping list, but it will have to wait until the winter when I plan to refresh the engine/bay and do the front service.

At the moment It's gushing out two gallons per hour (but stops to leak after that), and I need a quick fix to keep the car on the road a couple months before I tear it down.

pokegama

There is a good write up with pictures on replacing the side tanks. Do a search on "side tanks" and "tabs". Might be worth a try.

hacker-pschorr

Um, no.

If that were true every stroker / supercharged / turbocharged 928 with the stock radiator would be over heating. Your OEM radiator was most likely clogged or damaged.

Take a look at Mark Anderson's race car, you will find a 100% stock 928 radiator (at least the last time I saw his car in 2006). Not many (if any) street car will ever produce the amount of heat his car generates.

Mike Frye

Here's JHowell37s write-up.

I replaced the gasket and the passenger side tank a few months ago because it was leaking, no problems since. The side tank and gasket aren't that expensive, give it a shot.

Stephencs601

To Hacker-pschor, I only stated what happen to my vehicle.......... Every car is not the same but from my observations from my vehicle and others that switched, the car ran cooler without leaks. This is not just about cooling. The stock radiator has gaskets that WILL leak over time. A one piece never has that problem.

Run in your vehicle what makes you happy. I am not replacing gaskets....

hacker-pschorr

No kidding every car that removed a 15+ year old radiator for a new one cooled better. You could install a replacement / new radiator with 50% capacity of the OEM that will cool better than most clogged 15 year old units.

As for one piece radiators not leaking, you can believe what you want but a search around Renny will show otherwise.

I have nothing against one piece aluminum radiators. The piece Mark Anderson sells is top notch and I would have no problem running my car with one if it was necessary.

What I don't like is people making blanket statements like: "The stock radiators suck" that are completely untrue. Comments like this sends people down a path spending excess money that is not necessary.
A leaking side tank repaired by a local shop is infinitely cheaper than a new aluminum radiator and is a perfectly fine repair for 99% of the 928 population.

Stephencs601

I am not looking at a cost factor here. I am looking at the headache factor here. Do what you want not really my concern. IT WAS MY OPINION sorry you are so offended.

hacker-pschorr

It takes a lot more than an opinion on radiators to offend me.
It's my opinion that your opinion of the OEM radiator being garbage is incorrect.

Do a search on leaking aluminum radiators (not the 928 International unit). if you want to read about people experiencing headache's.
I'm not trying to bash aluminum radiators but a comment they cannot leak is false.

My 1981 radiator still has the original side tanks (knock on wood). Hasn't been much of a headache to me. I'll be sure to let you know when the side tanks start leaking.

Stephencs601

Stop already, you are obcessing over an opinion of a radiator. Life is too short to worry about this crap. I have a son fighting a war and can get killed and you worry about a radiator. Nice talking to you.

hacker-pschorr

Not obsessing, just clearing up some mis-information.
Obsessing is further trying to defend your original post. Your acting like I called you a liar or something.

I'm starting to remember why I (and a lot of other people) spend less and less time in the tech forums these days. Cannot simply share a difference of opinion without this crap happening.

I do thank your son for his services.
I have two cousin in Iraq and one friend on his way home. Hopefully in time for the next Packer game.

Stephencs601

and your still going. Oh boy.

Stephencs601

Maybe you and I need to PM this. Shoot me a note.