Busted Radiator

[mysticstylez]

After doing a complete timing overhaul consisting of new timing belt, tensioner, pullies, water pump and seals, I poured in the new coolant only to have it spill about a half gallon out of the radiator. There seems to be a crack in the bottom of the tank. I spoke with a Mitsubishi mechanic about it, he claims that it caused by the engine flexing and causing stress on the radiator. Has anyone had this issue and has anyone used a ebay radiator? They are much cheaper and says it's OEM replacement.

 

[Fotowntalon]

about 99% of all eBay radiators i have looked at are for the 4g63 even though they don't really state it. If i was you i would go to i think its radiatorbarn.com . They have really nice radiators for cheap, like around 150 with free shipping and are all metal. I got one, and am EXTREMELY pleased with it.

Now while i am not sure about the engine flexing causing the stock to crack, i could see it happening if it was old enough,after all our stock ones are plastic...

 

[mysticstylez]

The radiator I'm looking at on ebay is about $60 shipped. It has the plastic tank. I would like to go with the alluminum radiator like you suggested. I think he may be referring to the frame flexing, maybe around curves. Would a strut bar help that? Thanks for your feedback!

 

[VelocitàPaola]

With the stock motor mounts, the engine rotates forward enough where it could place enough force on the radiator's end-tanks via the radiator hose to cause damage. Those plastic end-tanks become extremely brittle with time. I bought an all metal radiator from RadiatorBarn.com a few years ago; I think it was around $110 shipped. It arrived within one day, and I haven't had to give my radiator any thought since.

 

[mysticstylez]

Then that settles it. I'll go with radiator barn and be done with it. Thanks for the input!

 

[urmomsaniceguy]

even try a place i bought mine. 1800radiators. excellent price and service.

 

[mysticstylez]

I discovered the crack on the top of the radiator was caused by the hood. It seems the rubber barrel on my hood arm was positioned over the point on my radiator(where the hose is). I believe that when the hood slammed shut, the barrel smashed the tank and cracked it. I'm sure it is the original radiator and is brittle from dry rot. I sealed it with e6000, hoping that will fix it until my new radiator gets here.

 

[Dark Lytz]

My radiator was shot when i first bought my 2g....I got a quick replacement on ebay and it hasnt givin me a problem.Had it for about 7 months now and it still looks new with all the fins attached.It has holes to mount both cooling and a/c fan.heres the ebay link:

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 ECLIPSE TALON RADIATOR:eBay Motors (item 250511639600 end time Dec-08-09 16:08:19 PST)