Top Gasket
Does a 2002 PT cruiser radiator have a gasket that can’t be replaced?
I’ve got a fairly slow coolant leak. The technician showed me where the radiator leak is located – on the top of the radiator on the passenger side. He said it was a gasket and that it couldn’t be repaired – a different radiator would have to be installed. Is there a gasket in that location that can’t be replaced?
Actually, yes, it does have a gasket on the tanks. Radiators with plastic tanks (the top and bottom pieces) have a gasket that seals the tanks to the metal cores, and then has a lip that folds over the tank to hold it in place and seal it tightly against the gasket. The gasket is the only way to seal the plastic to the metal.
Chrysler does not service this gasket, but I have seen some radiator shops who can replace them on certain vehicles, so long as they can get the correct parts for it. Just have to look for radiator repairs in the phone book and call them to ask about it.
I would recommend replacing the radiator if you plan on keeping the car, though. Call some local parts stores to check their prices for radiators, and ask what kind of warranty they have (if they don’t tell you when giving the price). The better ones will have a lifetime warranty, some will have a 2-year warranty. These should be a good bit cheaper than the factory radiator, which only has a 1 year warranty. I’d suggest getting the lifetime radiator unless you don’t plan on keeping the car. (just be sure to keep the receipt so they’ll Honor the warranty)
If you don’t know how to change a radiator out, or don’t have anyone who can do it for you, ask your shop if they’ll install it if you bring the radiator in, most shops will, but some don’t. That will save you from paying their mark-up on the parts price, which is basically the reason some shops won’t do that.
Gasket Repair
