can I patch the plastic radiator?

VortecJeep

VortecJeep

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Aug 24, 2005
Location
Concord, NC
2002 WJ, 4.0 auto 4WD
Been losing coolant slowly, but never could tell from where and never enough for a puddle to form. Today I noticed a puddle, open the hood, and find a crack near the upper inlet on the radiator. This part is plastic, is there anything I can seal it with? I don't want to try something that is going to eat the plastic or get into the coolant and into the engine.
Or am I going to have to replace the radiator?
 

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IMHO its time for a new radiator.\
Not aware of a fix, nor sure I would try one if it was suggested
 
some radiator shops can replace just the tank, but if the vehilce has age/miles on it, it's money better spent to replace the whole radiator.

knowing how much of a PITA replacing a rad in a WJ is, I'd replace the thing with new, just to keep from having to do it again anytime soon.
 
I ordered a new radiator, it should arrive Monday. I went ahead and removed the front fascia and bumper. Not going to remove the old radiator till the new one is here in case I have to move the WJ around in the driveway.
 
You can move it around the driveway without a radiator, just don't let it run too long. Heck we drive around cars with no radiator a lot from the body shop.
 
x2 on driving without a radiator just watch your temp gauge
 
They can be fixed. Just use a soldering iron to melt it back together. Go past the crack and work it pretty good. Then put some plastic radiator repair stuff over it just to be sure.
 
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