Hey Guys,

I'm a newbie here where it comes to cars, I just purchased a 98 Fairmont Ghia last Friday and everything seems to be going great! loving the Ford.

Basically yesterday when I got to work the top radiator hose had popped off, when I first had a look I assumed that the hose clamp was just done up loose however when I look inside the pipe the radiator connection seems to have broken off causing half of it to stay connected to the radiator and the other half stuck inside.

Would I need to buy a complete new radiator? or is this a part that can be replaced?

Cheers!

I would suggest getting another radiator...new or refurbished. If it's plastic, then it is definitely a replacement job. While you're at it and if you have the money, I'd change all the hoses as well just in case...unless you know that they have been replaced recently.

Thanks phongus!

Yeah its plastic, so its just a replacement job? all the hoses where replaced about a month ago and I have double checked them for any wear and tear.

I would assume it would be. Since it is a plastic reservoir on either side of the radiator. Might be able to be fixed if it was aluminium/steel. But if the plastic has disintergrated, never know what else might be on its way out with the radiator.

Safest option would be to replace it...however I'm not expert so double check with the retailer/mechanic .

I personally would just replace it for a peace of mind and to have a record of its replacement.

You can get the end tanks replaced seperate of the core, and its a fair bit cheaper than a new radiator.

But then you still have the opposite tank and core that is old. And the possibility that when its opened up, some of the passages are blocked.

If you can dig up a new factory radiator with the proper brass core, it will be more expensive, but with proper maintenance, it will last another 10 or more years.

Thanks guys, I've got a mate whos going to look at it tonight.

Natrad said they would replace the whole thing for $460 - $470 and autopro sell the complete thing for $247.47.

My mate thinks he can get me one for about $50-$100 and we will just install it ourselves.

Wow, the $470 is bloody pricy... Unless thats including a fully coolant replacement and a gold plated radiator.

$250ish is generally the replacement price of a factory spec radiator here in Melbourne. I cant remember the brand off the top of my head.

Anything less would be an aftermarket alloy radiator, which aren't known for their quality, long life or factory cooling abilities.

$50 to $100 sounds like an ebay special. Which is typically an aftermarket s**t alloy radiator. Being in Canberra, with your summer extremes of heat, I'd be erring on getting a decent radiator that will do the job at a few $$$ more.

In either case installing is piss easy. Phillips Screwdriver, 10mm socket/spanner, 15mm socket/spanner and a 17mm spanner and about 20 to 30 mins.

Aparently the $50 one is off the back of a truck so he has told me lol, I'm doubting my mate will d**k me around as hes getting nothing out of it and ive known him for ages.

If its a dodgy one though, ill go through autopro and get the one they quoted me and install it myself.