I've been putting up with a small radiator leak on my '03 Edge, putting a couple quarts of fluid into it every few weeks or so. I finally got an idea where the slow leak was coming from and then chased it down (see pic) seems the plastic throat where the return line clamps on has cracked and is seeping, especially when under pressure as it really became obvious when I squeezed the return hose and then the moisture really began to appear.


The question now becomes how to next proceed? Should I just continue to dump fluid into it as needed, or repair? If I repair, I have two ways I could go: 1. Replace the radiator. 2. Seal the leak.

If I go with option 2 on the repair side, would the customary JB Weld high heat or radiator weld epoxy work since the crack is on plastic? If no, what should I use instead?

Thanks for the sounding board!

 

Replace the radiator

If you were out in the bush with no other option, temp fix with JB WELD would be considered
Because the radiator is heated and cooled the plastic will expand and contract, so nothing applied will last for long