Radiator developed hairline crack
 

So after 90k miles my stock radiator decided enough was enough and started leaking today. Drove the car to and from work with no problems, then later when pulling into my driveway from the gym I got the faint smell of coolant so I popped the hood for further inspection. Sure enough I could see a hairline crack on the top seam about 1 1/2" long right, since the car was hot it was hissing and spitting out a little coolant.

My question is should I fork over the cash for an oem Nissan radiator or pay 1/2 the price for a generic one? I can get a generic off rockauto for $120, and the cheapest nissan one I've found is over $350. I also briefly looked at performance replacements like koyo and mishimoto but i do not track the car and don't feel like modifying anything to make it fit.

I've plastiwelded the crack so I can drive to work but I need to replace it asap!

radiator
 

Same thing happened to me. Bought a brand new thicker alluminum ebay one. Works like a charm and havnt had one problem at all in 2 years since i put it in. Think i paid under 100 for it.

443 reviews and 1 response lol, I think I'm gonna just try my luck with a generic one. The plastic epoxy I used is holding like a champ but I don't expect it to last very long.

You should be okay with a generic one. Use your digression when ordering though.. sometimes you do get what you pay for.

Can of JB "stop leak". Problem will generally solve itself....if not, $10 is better than etc.....

To be honest. Never JB weld unless its to make it last a trip to the shop. My friends IS300 developed a crack, i told her to JB weld it and order a Aluminum one from Moshimoto or Koyo and I'll install it for her. TO be honest its the best thing you can do, a quality all aluminum radiator (or ebay if you dont wanna be a brand rep) works so well.