Loose radiator

[Christ]

File down the jb, drill holes at the ends of the crack, then coat it again. The holes terminate the crack.

Plastic welding is also an option. When new, the radiator didn't move around, and new rubber mounts wouldn't allow liberal movement.

[Aaronbrook37]

I live according to the tenets of The Floydian Complex - never replace a part when an upgrade is readily available. On Ebay, Amazon, and Honda-Tech, you'll find thick, beefy, and aluminum Civic radiator packages with big fans for $80 shipped or less. That would be my recommendation if you decide to replace it in the immediate future.

[Pu241]

2x Kartracer on the finding a replacement (new or used).
That crack is likely to propagate left and right of it current position.
Ultimately moving out side your repair area.
Could be quit a while or a few days.

[kartracer46]

You'll be surprised, it's a 13lb system. I have repaired several and had success. But I would go ahead and find another replacement if you plan to distance drive with it. Around town and short trips it will do nicely.

Congrats on the car!

['Noker]

oops, meant to crop that out...
It's on the list, along with new wheels, tires, spare, tail-light gaskets, a tuneup (and probably a new radiator).

[WmWatt]

first photo shows battery post needs cleaning.

[89newb]

id say order a new one or make it a perfect reason by stretching the entire truth to the mrs. to do a motor swap

['Noker]

Hello!
New member - proud owner of an 89 LX, automatic with AC (thanks to my friend Nearderpaul!) It came with a crack in the plastic part of the radiator, just below the cap (pictures below if you're interested). As I was taking off the top brackets, I notice the rubber gaskets that hold the vertical posts on top of the radiator were worn and dry - I can move the radiator back and forth by hand, there's about a half inch of play. I wondered if the radiator vibrating back and forth might have caused the crack? When I replaced the brackets, I slid a rubber washer into each gasket to firm things up - then I started to second guess myself - is the radiator supposed to be loose to reduce vibration? Should I keep the washers in or take them out? I haven't started the car yet, waiting for the JB Weld to cure.



For anyone interested here is the crack - you can see the moisture line in the sanded area.



Here's my first radiator patch job - its not pretty - the JB Weld was hard to use on a near-vertical space with little clearance to work with.


I guess I'll find out tomorrow if its going to hold or I need to order a new radiator.