92 Accord has leaking radiator

I have a 92 Accord LX with the 4 cylinder, 4-spd automatic, and 130K
miles.


I noticed today that about 5" of the seam along the upper radiator
tank is split and leaking badly. Can this be repaired or is my best
bet to simply replace the radiator? Is there anything particularly
difficult about replacing the radiator on this car? I don't yet have a
service manual, unfortunately, but tools and experience (on other
vehicles) isn't a problem.

If the radiator needs to be replaced, I guess I have the option of
genuine Honda parts (about $220 at Majestic) or aftermarket (about $75
at HondaAutoBodyPartsStore).

<http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catdisplay.jsp?inputstate=4&catcgry1=Accord&catcgry2=1992&catcgry3=4DR+LX&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=>
<http://www.hondaautobodypartstore.com/cgi-bin/auto-body-parts/HOACCORDP199093.html>

Any help/tips appreciated.

 

Hard part is un-hooking the wires at the connectors for the fans. Be
sure to use a flare nut wrench on the cooler lines. Leave the lower hose
connected to the old radiator till you get it out. Take it loose at the
thermostat housing. Be VERY careful when reassembling the fans to the
new radiator. Some have soldered bolt connections that can break and
leak. I got my last one at Parts America. Lifetime guarentee, and it had
plastic brackets for the fan bolts. Worked fine for me. bob

 

I suggest that you check the yellow pages for under "radiator shops".
Visit a couple of them and ask them if they can install an after market
radiator in your vehicle. Radiator repairs on old radiators are not a good
idea since in about two years or less--it will probably start leaking
again.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

I agree w/you on not repairing old radiators. Turns out there are 3
shops near my house that I'll check with before deciding whether to do
the replacement myself.

 

If you're around N.E.Ohio, come on by. I'll help you do it . No charge!
bob

 

Thanks, but I think you're at least a day and a half away!

 

Wow! In 12 hours, I can be in Myrtle Beach. In 10 hours I can make it
to Oshkosh. It's 12 hours to St. Louis. bob

 

I had to replace mine at abpout the same milage (220,000.kilometeres)Better
to replace .Its old and has already gone in one area , if you repair that
problem it is sure to spring a leak elsewhere not too far down the road.
Replace your upper and lower rad hoses at the same time along with the
antifreeze if necessary.
ed/ontario

 

Since the antifreeze is basically drained anyway, it makes sense to
flush and fill with fresh stuff. I'll take a close look at the hoses
and thermostat, too. Thanks.

 

I'm only 4 hours past St. Louis, but hey, I gotta stop and add
antifreeze every so often!