Maya Ellison
Honda CR-V radiators are typically made of aluminum, with some older models featuring plastic tanks. The radiator is an important part of the engine cooling system, and regular cleaning and flushing are necessary to prevent costly repairs. Some Honda CR-V owners have reported issues with plastic radiators, such as cracks and leaks, which can lead to coolant leaks and engine overheating. While plastic radiators are generally less expensive to replace than aluminum ones, they may not be as durable over time due to the different expansion and contraction rates of aluminum and plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Radiator Type | Plastic tank with aluminum core |
| Common Issues | Cracks, leaks, rust, corrosion |
| Replacement Cost | $75-$150 for the part, plus installation costs |
| Replacement Frequency | Every 10 years or 100,000 miles |
| Replacement Procedure | Disconnect battery, lift vehicle, remove splash shield, remove radiator, replace with new unit, refill with coolant |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic tank, aluminium core
The Honda CR-V radiator is an important component of the engine cooling system. It is situated behind the front grille of the car and uses wind passing through the grille to reduce the temperature of the coolant. The coolant gets heated up by the engine's heat and goes through the radiator, where heater airflow cools it before it returns to the engine.
The Honda CR-V radiator has a plastic tank and an aluminium core. This design is problematic because plastic and aluminium expand and contract at different rates, which can lead to leaks over time. The radiator's seals may fail, causing coolant leaks, which can be detected by the sweet smell of coolant after a drive or moisture at the bottom of the radiator coils.
The plastic tank and aluminium core design is used in Honda CR-V models from 2012 to 2016. This includes the Pacific Best Inc. radiators for the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V and the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V, which feature a plastic tank and aluminium core with a one-row design.
It's important to regularly clean and flush the Honda CR-V radiator to prevent costly repairs due to cooling system failures. Overheating is a common cause of engine breakdowns, and it can lead to serious or irreparable damage to engine components. Additionally, radiator failures can result in coolant mixing with the transmission oil lines, causing significant issues.
While plastic radiators are generally affordable to replace, ranging from $75 to $150, it's recommended to replace them proactively to avoid potential issues. The Denso radiator, considered a reliable option for Honda CR-V radiators, is priced at $100 to $125.
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Honda CR-V radiator replacement parts
Radiators are crucial in keeping your Honda CR-V's engine cool and the vehicle running smoothly. Honda CR-V radiators are typically made of metal and plastic, with the plastic parts being susceptible to cracking over time, which can cause leaks.
There are a variety of Honda CR-V radiator replacement parts available on the market, which vary in price and compatibility with specific Honda CR-V models. For instance, Pacific Best Inc. offers a plastic tank, aluminium core radiator replacement part for $166.65, which fits the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V 4-cylinder 2.0/2.4L models. AutoShack also offers a high-performance radiator replacement for $78.68, compatible with the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD FWD models.
Other retailers offering Honda CR-V radiator replacement parts include HondaPartsNow.com, which provides wholesale prices for radiators compatible with 1997-2024 Honda CR-V models, and AutoZone, which offers a wide range of radiators for various Honda CR-V models.
It is important to note that radiator replacement procedures can vary significantly between different car models. Therefore, it is recommended to consult repair guides specific to your vehicle before attempting to replace the radiator yourself. The average cost for a Honda CR-V radiator replacement ranges from $849 to $1,124, with labour costs estimated between $277 and $406, and parts priced between $572 and $718.
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Radiator failure signs
A failing radiator can lead to a host of problems, from engine overheating to extensive engine damage, so it's important to recognise the warning signs.
One of the most common signs of a faulty radiator is the presence of coolant leaks. Coolant is vital for regulating your engine's temperature, and a leaking radiator can lead to low coolant levels, causing the engine to overheat and potentially resulting in severe engine damage. Look out for puddles of brightly coloured fluid, typically green or orange, beneath your parked car. Coolant leaks can also cause a sweet or syrupy smell, which may be noticeable while driving or after parking.
Other signs of a failing radiator include rust and corrosion. If your coolant has a rusty colour or has become sludgy, it could indicate that your radiator is going bad. Clean coolants will mix with contaminants like radiator rust, oil leaks, and transmission fluid, causing the coolant to change colour or lose viscosity when they enter the cooling system.
Additionally, regularly check your radiator for wear and tear and have it serviced as needed to prevent any issues and keep your engine running smoothly.
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Radiator replacement cost
Radiators are an essential part of a car's engine cooling system. They are typically made of an aluminium core with two tanks made of either plastic or metal on each end. Honda CR-V radiators, for example, feature a plastic tank and aluminium core.
Over time, radiators can suffer from issues such as rust, corrosion, and leaks, which can lead to engine breakdowns and costly repairs. Therefore, radiator replacement or repair may be necessary to prevent further damage. The cost of radiator replacement varies depending on several factors, and it is important to consider both the price of the radiator itself and the labour costs involved.
The type of radiator used impacts the cost, with single-core radiators being the most common and affordable, while dual or triple-core radiators are more expensive. The age of the vehicle also plays a role, as older cars may have more affordable aftermarket parts available. Additionally, the quality of the parts varies, with economy parts being less expensive than premium or OEM-quality grades.
Radiator replacement typically ranges from $400 to $900, including the cost of the radiator and labour. However, the price of the radiator itself can vary from under $100 to more than $1,000, depending on the vehicle. Labour costs can add significantly to the total expense, typically ranging from $250 to $400 for two to three hours of work.
It is worth noting that labour costs may depend on where you live and the shop you choose. Additionally, some repairs may require additional parts, such as a new coolant pump or hoses, further increasing the overall cost. While repairing a radiator is usually more cost-effective than replacing it, replacing a radiator promptly can save you money in the long run by preventing further engine damage.
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Radiator maintenance
Honda CR-V radiators are made of plastic tanks with aluminium cores. While plastic radiators are effective at keeping your engine cool, they are harder to repair than metal radiators. This is because plastic radiators need to withstand high operating temperatures (200°F or 94°C and above) and contain hot, pressurised coolant. As a result, adhesives are usually not effective in repairing plastic radiators, and a true fusion weld is required.
To repair a cracked plastic radiator, you can follow these steps:
- Drain the antifreeze or coolant until the level is below the crack line.
- Clean the cracked area with a plastic cleaner.
- Preheat the area to be welded with a heat gun.
- Turn the welding tip at an angle and use the corner of the tip to melt a V-groove along the crack line.
- Insert the nylon welding rod into the tip and weld the crack.
- Before the weld cools completely, mix together the welding rod with the radiator plastic until it becomes a uniform colour.
- Allow the weld to cool completely before testing.
It is important to note that repairing a plastic radiator may only be a temporary solution, and it is often recommended to replace the radiator or the radiator tank to ensure durability. Regular cleaning and flushing of your radiator can help prevent costly repairs caused by cooling system failures.
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Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V models from 2012 to 2015 are known to have plastic radiators. However, newer models have an aluminum core to reduce weight and cost.
Over time, radiators may experience wear and tear issues such as leakage, rusting, or blockage. If you smell coolant after a drive or notice moisture at the bottom of the radiator coils, it may be time to replace your radiator.
The cost of replacing a Honda CRV radiator varies depending on the model and the type of replacement part used. Aftermarket replacement radiators can range from $75 to $150 or more, while OEM Honda radiators can cost around $100 to $125.
