Help! I need a new radiator!

[farang]

My 91 Honda radiator just acted up! about 3 leaks when cold (when heated up, it just disappear). When I got my car about 2 years ago, it was leaked. I had a service guy patched it for $45. Early this year, it leak more. I patched it with 99c patches. It worked. Now, it leak in several places (near filler cap, middle and near bottom). It consumed about 1/2 qt of coolant each weeks.

I decided to replace it. I checked 3 local autopart (Kragen, Autozone, NAPA) and their price seem to be the similar (range from $105 to $115). The problems is that I don't know which will be the best for my money (I am a student and saving every penny mean something). Just want to keep the car until I can afford a new car.

Please give me opinions about what is the best (or better) brand of radiator. Is there any other place I can get a cheaper (but good) one beside those chain store?

Here is what I found:
Kragen- Transpro $115.99
Autozone- GDI $108.99
NAPA- Power Flow $110.00

Thanks!

 

[integrare]

I don't know how far you are away from El Monte, but there is a little auto parts store that has good prices there called "T's Auto Parts". I had a breakdown while visiting my sister in CA and she told me to go there because of their prices. (626) 452-8597 is the number. You can at least call for a quote. Hope this helps.

 

[farang]

Thank integrare,

That's store is about 15-20min from my place. Actually, it is just 2 blocks from where I had my CV joint - half axle replaced last weeks.

Yes, those place are know for price (anything, from SMOG check, used parts...etc). However, cash only AFAIK (will check it out tomorrow).

Any other suggestion?

 

[pooter WS6]

farang,
this is a common problem on accords from 90-92. I gues the radiators are only good for so many heat cycles that they finally crack. I have been waiting for mine to crack on me. I searched on the internet and have found one for about 80.00$. You may even want to try ebay. Good luck.

 

[Chevynut67]

Why not give Radiator.com a try? They deliver to your door and offer a good warranty as well as a good price.

 

[farang]

quote:

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Originally posted by Chevynut67:
Why not give Radiator.com a try? They deliver to your door and offer a good warranty as well as a good price.

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How does their warranty work? I don't want to spend my $$$ on something I am not sure about and doesn't carry a warranty (or doesn't honor it). I really don't like to ship back for warranty if something happen!

I buy most thing online but this is a bit of skeptical for me!

 

[1977c10phxdriver]

From my experience with radiators, cost is not the biggest factor in choosing a new one.

I bought a $99 "lifetime" radiator from AutoZone about 11 years ago. So far, i've changed it 7 times!!! Some were Modine, some were Fedders and my last one is some goofy brand I'd never heard of. Maybe they order up "spec" radiators that are basically seconds or junk!

When my wifes LeSabre needed one, I bought one from a friend at our local GM dealer for $180, lasted 6 years before selling the car. Probably still working fine.

Guess you can justify the cheap price if you don't mind changing it more often.

Mark

 

[XS650]

I replaced a 91 Accord radiator with one from radiator.com about 3 years ago. My MIL hs the car now and it's still good. The price was about $100, so no real savings over what you have found. You are better off buying locally if it is about the same price.

Go with the store that you think will stand behind their product the best. My vote is for NAPA.

Read all their warranty term carefully.

 

[ebaker]

I got a replacement radiator for my 81 Mercedes from Radiator.com. It was an inexpensive brass radiator made in malaysia. It fit and cooled fine. They also had an OEM aluminum radiator available for about 1/2 the dealer price. Getting one locally for about $100 seems hard to beat though.