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Car Problem - Radiator

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007.

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  1. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    Ok, so my girl friends radiator is leaking on her 1993 Honda Prelude. How do I know if it is the actual radiator that is leaking or just the resevoir that I add coolant too?

    Either way, how difficult is it to replace a radiator myself? How much would it cost if I took it to a mechanic?

    Thanks
     
    #1 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  2. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    Could it be just a hose that is leaking? How do i figure out what to replace?
     
    #2 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  3. rockbox

    rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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    Its very easy to replace the radiator by yourself. In most cars its just some screws, nuts and hoses.
     
    #3 rockbox, Apr 5, 2007
  4. rockbox

    rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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    the only way to find out is to look under the car and find the wet spot.
     
    #4 rockbox, Apr 5, 2007
  5. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    It seems like everything is wet!
     
    #5 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  6. Poloshirtbandit

    Poloshirtbandit Member

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    I have the exact same car and had the same problem about a year ago. Removing the radiator was kind of a pain, but I'm kinda stupid with fixing cars so don't mind me.
     
    #6 Poloshirtbandit, Apr 5, 2007
  7. Poloshirtbandit

    Poloshirtbandit Member

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    Oh, I also have the repair manual in PDF if you want it. Not sure how much help it would be.
     
    #7 Poloshirtbandit, Apr 5, 2007
  8. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    Just finished downloading the torrent for it:) Let me see how good this one is, I'll let you know if I need yours. Thanks
     
    #8 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  9. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    Yeah can you email it to me please. The one I downloaded is pretty blurry.

    junkforanish@gmail.com
     
    #9 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  10. Poloshirtbandit

    Poloshirtbandit Member

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    Give me a few minutes, the file is 37 MB.
     
    #10 Poloshirtbandit, Apr 5, 2007
  11. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    I think mine may be the same file (37.8mb)
     
    #11 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  12. BenignDMD

    BenignDMD Member

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    Thanks man, I got it. It is was the same file :D
     
    #12 BenignDMD, Apr 5, 2007
  13. ArtV

    ArtV Member

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    Sounds like a hose burst since everything is wet. Let it cool off and refill the radiator with water. Leave the hood open, start the car and let the car run. After a few minutes you should see water spraying out from somewhere. Find that somewhere and there's your problem. Again - my money is on a burst hose which can range from easy to what-the-... If it looks like it's easy to get to, go to the parts store and get the new hose (they need to know what it connects to) and 2 new clamps (don't reuse the stock clamps). Don't forget to get some more anti-freeze while you're there. 1/2 and 1/2 is what I do but ask the parts place in your area for a good mixture.

    If its the radiator itself that is spewing, take it to a shop. Changing a radiator is not for the cresent wrench club.
     
    #13 ArtV, Apr 5, 2007
  14. Poloshirtbandit

    Poloshirtbandit Member

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    I figured. It's funny I was on lunch break yesterday and my car just stopped on me so it's in the shop today. Good luck.
     
    #14 Poloshirtbandit, Apr 5, 2007
  15. BrockStapper

    BrockStapper Contributing Member

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    I changed out a '94 radiator.

    twice.

    The first time it took an hour the second time it took 30 minutes. It's easy, easy - so easy...

    The first one I bought had a leak but they exchanged it (I think I got it at AutoZone for 130.00). They wanted 450.00 at the local auto repair shop so it is absolutely worth doing it yourself. That was 75,000 miles ago and no issues.

    Cheers,
    Brock
     
    #15 BrockStapper, Apr 5, 2007
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