Radiator leak

[DAS703]

Got a 2002 530i that developed a hair line crack at top of radiator 2 inches in front of outlet hose. Wondering what type of material it is,(plastic, poly type stuff or what ?) Will epoxy fix ? If so, what type ?

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

The only effective fix is a new radiator. You can try patching it (it's crap plastic), but at best, you'll only be able to delay a more catastrophic failure. If the radiator has cracked, you're due for a full cooling system overhaul.

[JC5]

x2

[Dirichlet]

x3
Don't make the mistake I did last year and only replace the single malfunctioning cooling system part - the rest of them aren't too far behind in failing, leaving you stranded, or worse. Replace the entire coolant system (radiator, expansion tank, hoses, thermostat, and pump) at the same time. Just my $0.02.

[MPWR]

x4
If you have cracking plastic, time to replace it all with new. The cooling system is now a time bomb in the process of exploding. Do not let the engine overheat- if you do, more than likely the head will be destroyed.

A cooling system overhaul is a very reasonable DIY type task.

[mcoupemindy]

x5

Cooling system explosions are fun (not really).

If you have the money, put a stewart water pump in there. There's a reason they come with a lifetime warranty.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

x4
If you have cracking plastic, time to replace it all with new. The cooling system is now a time bomb in the process of exploding. Do not let the engine overheat- if you do, more than likely the head will be destroyed.

A cooling system overhaul is a very reasonable DIY type task.

Actually, if you warp the head, you'll almost certainly destroy the block too. Aluminum block cars do NOT like getting overheated - the head rips the threads out of the block and the cost of repairing that in order to *hope* that it holds together is too high to justify.

[DAS703]

I took the member advice a couple of weeks ago and replaced the entire cooling system. I put a metal impeller pump in; funny but the car seems to run better. Mystery ! Thanks to all for the advice. See Ya.