Hey guys I am looking for some advice on my current radiator situation.


Awhile back I purchased a 2 core champion aluminum radiator hoping to upgrade my cooling system. Long story short my old motor mounts allowed the fan to hit the radiator bending some fins and causing a small leak. I ran the radiator with the leak for about a month and then picked up a stock radiator to replace it.


I have learned the hard way that stock radiators will perform just fine if everything is properly maintained but now I have this extra aluminum radiator sitting in my garage. My question is what do I do with the aluminum radiator. Do I throw it away and never look back at that piece of junk? Do I try and get it repaired? Sell it? Scrap it? Dunno

 

Well at least it lasted as long as it did most don't, they leak before that. I guess you could have it repaired and unload it on eBay with a sold "As Is" note.

 

I have heard nothing but horrible things about these radiators from others. One guy told me to get some JB weld and smear that over the affected area and try running it? I like the peace of mind knowing my coolant isn't going to be spraying around the engine bay if the patch doesn't work so I might just recycle the aluminum. Thanks for the response though!

 

If the hole is in one of the passages, JB weld/epoxy can be used for an indefinite temporary fix. Passage can also be pinched closed. But a fan strike would be too much to repair in my opinion.

I have heard of quality issues with both CSF and Champion all-aluminum radiators.
The stock 2-row, plastic tank radiator works great and has a warranty.

 

Its youre radiator. Do whatever you want with it.

If it were me, id get it repaired and sell it, or keep it as a backup.