Chosen Solution
I think the answer to this one is going to be “no,’ but if you don’task, the answer is always “no!” After weeks of procrastination, hours of stripped-bolt frustration, and a brief period of euphoria when I successfully replaced my thermostat, I attempted to reattach the hose to the top right of my radiator, as one does. In shoving it on there, I managed to rip off the hose connector and surrounding radiator completely. There is a hole about 2.5 inches radius where my radiator would attach to the hose. Can I glue the stuffing outta this until I have the money to replace the radiator? Can I just replace the top plastic part where the hose should attach? I need it to drive 30 minutes each way from work, about 15 miles at the outside. Update (10/02/2017)
These are pictures of the problem.
Hi Cassy, the problem with trying to repair it is preventing anything, such as epoxy, from getting inside the radiator and then having it flow into your engine. I would suggest replacing it with either a good used one if you are in a financial pinch but new would be the best option.
True Dat as Klein says above. In any case, no epoxy will withstand the heat cycling that a plastic radiator sees. Replacement is the only safe option. They are not very expensive. Nissens, a Danish company makes radiators for our cars. I have one on my 300CD and believe it to be better quality than the OE.
