SanDiego928

I have a leaking radiator, passenger side end tank, at the top. I have read some previous posts and write-ups. Very slow seepage - small drop on floor. Checked hose clamps before todays trip.

I can see a small amount of fluid after a good drive on the plastic fins at the very top. Will take the rad out myself. Would like a shop to replace both sides since these maybe real, real old.

Looking for a reputable rad shop in east or south county of San Diego.

Should I remove and have a shop test the radiator to see if I need a new radiator due to age before purchasing side tanks? Just a thought before spending any money.

Thanks, Mark

Happy New Year All.

Tom in Austin

I just replaced my end tanks, with the same (classic) symptom of leakage at the top passenger side. It's not difficult to change them yourself, but in my case, I couldn't get a complete seal all the way around and ended up having the work redone by a radiator shop. Among other things, the radiator shop used a thicker gasket material than what comes with the replacement tanks. They also rod out each of the tubes to ensure everything is completely clean inside.

The shop I went to routinely checks radiators in their test tank, and I suspect most places would do that if you want to confirm where the trouble is before proceeding. It only takes a few minutes to seal everything up and test.

Randy V

Just call around and ask if they have the capability of replacing plastic end tanks. Most can, some can't.

Then just bring them the entire radiator as is - they'll do everything.

SanDiego928

Thanks Tom for your insight. Much appreciated - save some time, get an expert, lower frustration, back on the road quicker. Good to go for 20 more years, at least for this part of the car.

SanDiego928

Good point Randy. Thanks. After thinking about that; leave some things to experts who do this for a living for little expense.

I read your entire post and threads from 2009 I believe. I found it very worthwhile reading and if I did not have to work so much making money, I would attempt this myself as a learning experience. Very good write ups on removal and DYI.

danglerb

Behr makes nice radiators, but changing the end tanks I doubt adds 20 more years, more like roll the dice and zero to 5 or 10.

I thought the the thin flat tubes in our radiators couldn't be rodded out, anybody sure on this? What I heard was hot tank and flush was the only option.

neilh

Mark, for what it's worth, I had the neck break off on the passenger side plastic part and called around most of the shops in SD, and no one would touch it, even if i supplied the part. I bought a really nice used one from Mark at 9store for about what the local shops wanted to 'look at it!'.

SanDiego928

Im speechless. These do not seem to be that different from my friends 1997 Ford Explorer when it sprange a crack/leak in the plastic end cap coming back from a desert offroad trip.

I just missed the 1/2 sale too.

I am wondering how long it will be before I would have to replace? weeks, months...

No more drip on floor after full 24 hours. What the heck? Ill have to watch more closely than every few hours.

Must be a real slight intermittent when moon is half full and wind is from the west kind of seepage. Or maybe I am just plain seeing, smelling and feeling make believe stuff now.

Randy V

IOf you are feeling adventurous you can by a new end tank and gasket from 928 International and do it yourself.

There is a great write-up here that I used, but it was not a fun job.

neilh

Mark, BMW uses an almost identical Behr rad, maybe try one of the BMW independents down on Miramar Road.. You could shoot some BarsLeaks ( http://www.barsproducts.com/) into the water, I used it in the past on a 924 and it held up forever..

SanDiego928

By the way you bunch of very coooool 2012 - 928r's especially if you don't live here right now where it is 80 degrees in the frigin winter;

What is up with the plugs on the passenger side? Not up but rather purpose? This was an auto when it was born and I think I read something about trans cooler.

outbackgeorgia

I faced exactly the same issue, only leaked when hot (under pressure). Will not leak sitting overnight, for example.
I evaluated the options and bought a new all aluminum radiator from 928Motorsports. Aluminum end tanks welded in place, a work of art. Should last a long time, was back on the road quickly. I ran with the pressure cap loosened until the new one arrived. As this is my DD, I did not want to be down any length of time. As a bonus, temp gauge never goes beyond halfway. With the Behr, 3/4 was the norm with A/C on a hot day.
Dave

Dave

outbackgeorgia

I believe 5 speeds have a "cooler" on only the driver side, passenger side is for the auto trans. I call it a "cooler" but it really stabilizes the engine oil and coolant at the same temp. Mine is an S4, there are other configurations of external air type coolers on later models.
Dave

outbackgeorgia

One more comment, I would never put "stop-leak" or any similar compound in my 928. The risk to head gaskets, heads, water pump, block, etc. are too great. A radiator will seem cheap by comparison to the possible damage caused by "stop-leak".
Dave

neilh

Plugs are where the transmission oil cooler lines hook up on an auto. Leave them open, or plug, makes no difference.