2002 Camry LE, 4 Cylinder. My radiator leaks 1-2 drops per second. I’m not exactly sure about the leak position, but it seems to be somewhere between the plastic tank and the metal radiator core, and it’s not likely the pipe, cap, or pipe connections. Please refer to the photos. I’m trying to find a…

The best thing to do is to properly pressure test the cooling system to verify the leak source… If the rad is leaking then it needs to be replaced…

If you want it to last, replace the radiator and the hoses from the engine. Drop in a new thermostat as well. Retighten the hoses after a couple of months. Anything else won’t fix the leak either at all or only for 6 months or so.

Stop leak used to work pretty well on copper core/copper tank radiators but not so much on aluminum/plastic. Radiators have become so cheap that nobody around me has been re-coring them.

[image] bobby_yan: Is it helpful to remove the metal cover above the radiator and check for the exact leak point before moving forward? Yes it is.

[image] bobby_yan: I’m trying to find a fix which can last at least 3-5 years. You’ll never rest unless you replace the radiator. It’s an entirely expectable repair in a car this old. I know, my 1999 Honda is on its 3rd radiator. Luckily I found a bottom leak last summer before it failed cata…

There is a rubber seal between the core and the tanks, and rubber eventually rots away and starts leaking. The rubber gasket can be replaced, but it is likely to be more expensive than just getting a replacement radiator. Lots of labor involved in replacing just one gasket, and the other is still …

If original you’re lucky it lasted 20+ years. Based on personal experience with my own and friend/family Japanese cars, ~15 years is when this happens. It’s a rite of passage. Japanese cars of yore are remarkably trouble free, until they aren’t. Aftermarket replacement should easily last 5 years…

My 30 years old Corolla radiator developed a leak around year 25. I considered a repair, but when I priced out replacement radiators the decision was very easy, replace, they’re very frugally priced. I paid around $90 for mine. Replacement very easy diy’er job on my car. Can’t speak to how dif…

[image] George_San_Jose1: Note: Make sure the radiator vendor knows your car’s configuration and how you use your car. For example automatic vs manual transmission might require different part. AC system characteristics as well. Likewise if you drive in very hot areas or tow anything. Good Gr…

Radiator Leak Fix

Maintenance/Repairs

Tester February 24, 2023, 3:23am 4

A teaspoon of black pepper in the coolant will temporarily stop the leak, but the radiator requires replacement.

Tester

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Radiator Leak Fix

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