On my way to Makakilo to pick up my kids last night, I saw a black Hawkeye STi on the side of the H-1 right before Waikele. I was gonna stop to see if he needed any help but, at the speed I was traveling, it was pretty impossible. Being the "nice guy" that I am, I took the Waikele exit and made my way through Waipio to get back onto the freeway. When I got to the spot where I saw him at, he was already gone. I figured he solved his problem and went on his way. Then, I saw him again between Waikele & Kunia. I was able to pull over this time and see if he needed any help. As I walked towards him, it was obvious that he car was overheating. He told me that a couple of Suby guys pulled over to help him earlier and told him that his radiator was leaking. I then noticed that it was leaking where the tank meets the core. He said that he just had to make it over to Royal Kunia so he would just let it cool down a bit and try to head on home again.

Is this a common thing with those type of radiators (Aluminum core/Plastic Tank)?

 

With age plastic will crack and Ive seen this on older cars...Cheaper materials that go in part. The way I see it, this is an item that isnt designed to last the lifetime of the car...

Just sucks that it happened on the freeway and regular inspections of the engine bay (like after washing/detailing your car) can help prevent these things..

Good thing nice Samaratins and I-CLubbers like those that stopped helped out.. Thumbs up!

 

Us suby guys are cool like that.

-_^

 

 

yes its common with the aluminum core/ plastic tanks...the end tanks are only crimped on with a gasket...

its how manuf. are able to save money....as well as make money...it usually is able to last till your warranty is up...then cha ching....sale!! as well as saving money to manuf. the radiator...better to upgrade to something with metal endtanks.

 

Holy crap...that's some crappy design.

Which Suby's have this radiator? Do I?!

Well at least radiators are pretty easy to change...more of a pull out and drop in with a few hoses to attach.

 

My Radiator hit the Hit the Fan about 2 1/2 months ago. Now I have a Mishimoto Radiator!

 

it was a 06 sti too

 

All of the japanese cars I've owned or worked on have had alum with those crappy plastic end tanks.... On my 2 miatas both tended to go bad at about 70,000 miles, my 240 and sentra, as well as my old legacy and impreza both had that design too, as does my MR2. It's cheaper, generally lasts long and again, is cheaper... When yours goes bad, just get one with full metal.

Then again, the radiators in my mr2 and 240 never went bad, and both are at over 120k, neither did the rad in my impreza... Until a camry decided to kill it.

 

get a koyo or equivalent. problem solved. period.