I just got a new cheapo radiator for 95 4runner 3.0 and once i go it out the box the outlet for top hose has a really bad mold line in in the middle of it on both sides. I dont see this not leaking with a hose on it as tall as the mold lip is. Heres some pics of it, im already thinking ill have to cut and sand this thing down so its smooth. has anyone else had this issues with plastic radiator?

 

A friend ordered one online even though I tried to talk him out of it.



In shipping the bottom outlet just came out of the tank from vibration.

Pretty common to have interesting problems.

This is why I hate them.

 

yeah cheap plastic 70.00 radiator is a joke for sure just couldnt afford the 3 row aluminum one which i know is much better.
advance only sells this radiator and its 140.00 so i bought this one online for 70.00 shipped, long as it last a year until i can buy the all aluminum one ill be happy lol

Guess i should just use some rtv for my thermostat on that outlet and pray for a good seal?

 

napa was the only one here who sells metal radiator and it is 309.00 and its the same one in my truck now thats leaking lol

ok so the seller tells me " when you are tightening the hoses, you use rubber cover and use metal zip tape"

never heard of either for a new radiator, any mechs ever use this stuff?

 

the actual sealing between the hose and that plastic tube is taking place at the huge lip area, and if your hose clamp is near that, you won't be leaking anything... no need to do anything other than just the normal hose clamp.

don't fall for the negative hype about these cheapo radiators... i have one in my rock crawler, last weekend i took it out to the desert, in 90+ degree heat, and it worked fine... hopefully it lasts for awhile :-0 :-)

 

They cool fine it is the plastic that cracks and gets brittle

Or just poor quality control out the door.