2004 OEM radiator is failing. How long do I have to replace?

[Sasquatch]

It was fine earlier this week. The seal all along the top tank has started to leak. Did not smell coolant all day after driving nearly 100 miles. I need to do another 100 miles tomorrow. Bad idea? Take along some water? Have a tow truck follow me (not really)?

What is the best all aluminum replacement? Koyo?

This is the darker green Subaru coolant ooze:

[jd92677]

It was fine earlier this week. The seal all along the top tank has started to leak. Did not smell coolant all day after driving nearly 100 miles. I need to do another 100 miles tomorrow. Bad idea?

It looks to me to be the early stages, I would feel fairly comfortable driving another 100 miles

Take along some water?

Absolutely

Have a tow truck follow me (not really)?

Do you have one on retainer

[SD_GR]

Hi Sasquatch!

Sorry about the juicy rad. I've had two fail so far. That is a lot of fluid loss though... I'd be worried about driving 100 mi and would consider renting a car instead if need be.

I do not use the all-Al rad; I use an OEM replacement instead. This means my third rad looks just like yours, or like my second or first. However, the rad I bought is not (NOT!) a Calsonic (the brand SOA uses). It is a Koyo.

I rang up Koyo and spoke to someone very helpful. He told me they make both an OEM style and a "race" all-Al. I have been pleased with my OEM style Koyo and would not hesitate to use their products, based not just on the fit of the part I bought but also because of my tendency to "buy" the maker and/or vendor, not just the part.

I am aware that the Koyo all-Al rads cost more than CX or CRX or however they're spelled, and more than Mishimoto, but I think it's a quality brand for what it's worth. (A friend with the Csomething rad in his Acura had the drain plug leak on arrival and had to source another one etc. The welds look good on it though.)

(For those with automatic transmissions: the OEM radiator has a separate cooler for transmission fluid, and the Koyo OEM replacement also has this -- so if you have a manual, just ignore the fittings like I have -- but the "race" all-Al apparently does not, so you have to ask and verify this, and if so, figure out a transmission fluid cooler in addition to the Al rad).

I bought my Koyo from a local radiator shop.

SD

For your coast:
Koyo
390 Starke Road Unit2 Carlstadt,
NJ 07072, U.S.A.
Tel: +1-201-896-6676
Fax: +1-201-896-6650
Toll Free: +1-877-896-6676
E-mail: sales@koyorad.com

For my coast:
Koyo
15 Doppler Irvine, CA 92618,
U.S.A.
Tel: +1-949-727-7054
Fax: +1-949-727-7445(Sales)
+1-949-727-3629(Administration)
E-mail: sales@koyorad.com

They should be able to confirm the correct part number for your -- or any -- application and provide a list of local vendors should you need the rad ASAP.

[Sasquatch]

Thanks Spiros. I would think an all aluminum would be best, no?

My neighbor is an automotive tech for a dealer. He seems to think I'd be OK with this one for a time. I had a Ford Probe in the last century that did the same thing twice. As I recall I had a couple of weeks to replace them.

[SD_GR]

The all-Al seems like a more durable, attractive option, yes, and since you autox routinely you could always use some extra capacity I suppose. The Koyo OEMs are about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the Koyo Al rads though, so my choice was made for me. If you have the $ I don't see why not to go Al, just be aware that you may have to trim the hoses to get a good fit (I don't know for sure). Also be ready to use different screws for the cooling fans if need be.

There is also Fluidyne but I've never had one and the all-Al version is well over $500 I think, so more expensive than the Koyo.

[Sasquatch]

The all-Al seems like a more durable, attractive option, yes, and since you autox routinely you could always use some extra capacity I suppose. The Koyo OEMs are about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the Koyo Al rads though, so my choice was made for me. If you have the $ I don't see why not to go Al, just be aware that you may have to trim the hoses to get a good fit (I don't know for sure). Also be ready to use different screws for the cooling fans if need be.

OK, thanks as always.

[SD_GR]

Good luck!
SD

[Sasquatch]

Just ordered an all aluminum Koyo - $325 shipped. Should be here Monday or Tuesday.

[SD_GR]

OK congrats. It'll be interesting to hear your impressions of fit and finish.

[Sasquatch]

OK congrats. It'll be interesting to hear your impressions of fit and finish.

I've seen them on other WRXs and my impressions were good. Seeing the entire piece will be nice, although I wish the circumstances were a bit different. :/

[brfatal]

Just ordered an all aluminum Koyo - $325 shipped. Should be here Monday or Tuesday.

Excellent choice. It's what I was going to post.

[Sasquatch]

Excellent choice. It's what I was going to post.

I appreciate your opinion - thanks.

I nervously had the WRX out for a 70 mile drive today. There does not appear to have been any more leakage.

[Mikie13]

Silver lining...a broken part is always a good excuse to upgrade to performance aftermarket

[Sasquatch]

Silver lining...a broken part is always a good excuse to upgrade to performance aftermarket

I suppose. From what I have read here and elsewhere I knew it was only a matter of time before the OEM failed. The timing could have been better (the wheel powdercoat issue).

[Sasquatch]

I got the Koyo yesterday. Looks nice ... One more under hood item to keep OCD shiny. Gorgeous welds. Super light weight. I hope it all fits nice.

Saturday is install day: Partly sunny, with a high near 38. North wind between 5 and 7 mph. Brrr ...