I have a 98 GSR
I piece of steel hit my front grill and damaged my radiator at 60mph. I didn't notice anything until I got home and I shut-off my engine. A little steam coming out from my grill. I notice a piece of steel and when I removed it, it bent my radiator and I can hear sshhhhhh sound. is it leaking a coolant, I don't know how a radiator works and it's components. should I call my insurance, i have 500 dollar deductible. should I leave it alone, since it doesn't change my temp gauge. The thing is steam coming out and it sucks to see my car like it's over heating.

how much is radiator?
help please??

Polgas

 

I would definitely replace it, don't bother calling your insurance - the job will cost less than your deductable. If it is going ssssshhhhh then you are blowing steam which is a prerequisite to hearing TAP TAP TAP TAP when your engine overheats.

Google to find a walkthrough on how to replace it. Seriously, it's pretty easy if you have a worthwhile frontal cortex. Doing it yourself could easily save you 200-300 bucks.

 

It was getting ready to fail anyway if that makes you feel better. Saw a replacement for sale at JEGS for like 300, OEM is like $500. It is very simple to do and will only take and hour or two(Less if you are a more competent mechanic than I am. Do yourself a favor and replace the radiator hoses too, they are probably not that great, and if you cut them off, it is much easier to remove the rad.

 

I think Fluidyne is a reputable brand, in which case I think our sponsors have them.

 

The plastic part of my radiator cracked and so I figured I would get the all aluminum one. I found one for ~200. In the end I caved and got a fluidyne and samco hoses. They are going on tomorrow and I'll be able to drive my car again =D.

 

when my radiator cracked across the top, i called a local radiator shop and got a new modine for $113. modine is supposedly a reputable brand (so says some of the folks on these boards) and so far it has been working flawlessly. consider yourself lucky that there was even coolant left in the thing when you came to a stop.

replacing the radiator is a pretty simple task if you know how to use a wrench and can remember righty tighty, lefty loosey. just spend a few minutes eyeballing the thing and learning what goes where before you lay into it. if you dont want to do it yourself, have a mechanically inclined buddy do it for $30. you will still be WELL below any deductible costs by your insurer. if you like, you can go ahead and replace the thermostat while you're at it to have peace of mind regarding your cooling issues. good luck

 

A temperary fix is pouring a couple eggs in, or so I've heard. It will cook to the walls of the radiator and seal the holes.

 

Yeah they actually tested that on Mythbusters and it works.

Anyhoo I would just find a stock replacement. It's not like you're gonna be racing hardcore or anything... are you?

 

Check out Radiator.com about 120.00 bucks!!

 

My radiator leaked from the top so I did it myself. Koyo radiators are a very good brand and is an easy replacement. Check out the link below. I got mine from them. Download the Integra manual and follow the radiator replacment section step by step. REAL EASY man. Good luck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KOYO-...QQcmdZViewItem