cracked radiator

[organ]

Yesterday, I replaced the original radiator cap with a new OEM one because the system was refusing to pressurize and there were bubbles in the coolant expansion tank(hoping that it wasn't a blown head gasket). Well, apparently I fixed the pressurization problem too well, there's a four inch crack in the top of my radiator now.

What could have caused this and what are my options? Can it be brazed?

[evil_demon_01]

Yesterday, I replaced the original radiator cap with a new OEM one because the system was refusing to pressurize and there were bubbles in the coolant expansion tank(hoping that it wasn't a blown head gasket). Well, apparently I fixed the pressurization problem too well, there's a four inch crack in the top of my radiator now.

What could have caused this and what are my options? Can it be brazed?

It's plastic and 20 years old, That combined with constant heating and cooling has caused the crack.

You will need to replace the top tank or the whole radiator.

[organ]

So it is plastic? Not what I wanted to hear. Fooled my patented fingernail scrape/tap test... must be some good stuff. What do you mean by "top tank"?

Thanks for the response.

[evil_demon_01]

So it is plastic? Not what I wanted to hear. Fooled my patented fingernail scrape/tap test... must be some good stuff. What do you mean by "top tank"?

Thanks for the response.

Top tank - The top of the radiator, Where the crack is.

[blazenem]

i would just replace the whole thing so you know its all good...

[1991redcoupe]

when I replaced mine it cost about 80 for a new one....pretty cheap if you ask me

[organ]

Where'd you purchase it?

[GeoffM]

Where'd you purchase it?

Autozone has it for $96. That's not bad.

[Koochologist]

Autozone has it for $96. That's not bad.

and it has lifetime warranty.

[GeoffM]

and it has lifetime warranty.

So do most of their suspension parts. I'm planning to get a lifetime alignment, and then get a new suspension every few months

[pcggattnc]

mine had the same problem . i think its from pple leaning on them.

[93redcb7]

Yesterday, I replaced the original radiator cap with a new OEM one because the system was refusing to pressurize and there were bubbles in the coolant expansion tank(hoping that it wasn't a blown head gasket). Well, apparently I fixed the pressurization problem too well, there's a four inch crack in the top of my radiator now.

What could have caused this and what are my options? Can it be brazed?

https://www.radiatorbarn.com/
this place is also very good, i didnt look at prices but iv bought from them before, and so has friends, always ships fast and good quality.

[JBradley500]

i used amazon prime and got a pretty good one for 75 bucks for my 94...

make sure the one you order has a drain plug because if it doesn't youll regret it later on. also make sure the you know which cap it uses because the aftermarket radiators in these hondas choose different caps. i know because i have a brand new cap that wont fit my new radiator.

[organ]

Thanks for the info, guys.

[organ]

I brought the engine up to temp today with the old cap in place and it seemed to run well(no leaking). This leads me to believe that the crack is not new and has only been made apparent by the new cap. Apart from potential overheating(which the car has never done), are there any downsides to running a cap that doesn't create an adequate seal and thus allows air into the system?

I'd have no qualms about simply replacing the radiator if the car wasn't twenty years old. I'm afraid that fixing it properly, it being a pressurized system and all, might stress other potential weak spots i.e. the water pump seal.