I went in today to get some diagnostic on a CEL (see other thread). They said I needed a new radiator as there was a leak.

It was pretty expensive, $800 job or so. $400-ish for the part and $350 for the install. Not getting any coolant leak or smell.



Should I get a second opinion? Monitor fluid levels? Just go ahead and replace it? I have other things on a higher priority on things to fix right now....but thoughts?

 

Just keep a close eye on it and your temp gauge for now. Have you ever had coolant flushed & filled yet? If not you may have to change your rad & thermostat.

 

I believe I've done a coolant flush at once of my scheduled maintenances. I'm not sure. I'll keep an eye, I had a radiator leak on my last car (VW) and it caused all kinds of hell for me, so I kind of know what to look for.

 

It almost looks like that small upper hose is leaking instead of the rad.......unless I am seeing this wrong since I cant get my bearings about which way the pic is taken (top, under car, side etc).

 

top of the pic is the front of the car from the inside.

 

Did they spill stuff at the top of the rad, the hose connections was not cleaned properly and didn't seal, causing you to go back. That corrosion is due from a leak or a spill (spill not cleaned afterwards). When I did my flush & fill I went to a rad specialist shop (changed thermostat and have had 0 issues since doing it).

 

I don't even remember when I had the coolant flush, I just think I did it a while ago. maybe it is just a spill they didn't clean up. will monitor it.