I just noticed this the other day, as I was changing my coolant. It isn't leaking at this point and functions perfectly. I tossed some JB weld over the top of it for support. The JB weld feels quite solid. Any thoughts on how long I might expect?

 

Hard to say really. With the amount and severity of your cracking, I would be looking into a new radiator for sure. I simply upgraded to the Mishimoto radiator for this very reason BEFORE it actually burst and gave me troubles. And by upgrade I simply mean a radiator that doesn't have plastic components to crack again, as the stock radiator is more than sufficient and capable.

 

don't be taking any long trips

 

Stock radiator has better end tanks than the mishimoto, it's a compromise that they made them from plastic. It's easier to make complex shapes with plastic molds.

 

I just bought a Mishimoto, figured might as well just replace it before it goes. How does the stock one have better end tanks? The Mishimoto look far superior with the all Al design.

 

Good end tanks don't have sharp edges, they're contoured to minimize pressure differential and loss across the core. This minimizes pumping losses, and pressure loss which improves cooling. Also being a thinner radiator means air flows more easily across the fins. Thicker radiators don't necessarily cool better quite often the opposite.

http://atspeedimages.com/image.php/5...e_radiator.jpg

This is a good radiator, notice almost no end tanks.

 

Hmm, not to debate, but why do most people experience better cooling with the Mishimoto vs OEM? Most track guys report consistently cooler temps.

 

Do they?

 

When that bish craks completely and leaves you stranded you ain't gonna give 2 shits about end tank shapes. KoyoRads on both my '00 and '04 just for this reason. And hey...2 extra OEM's in stock if ever needed.

 

Yeah, most do