The third-generation Eclipse was a bit of a change-up over preceding models -- amassed boulevard cruiser than road-and-track bruiser. However, in the course, the Eclipse became a added handy and highway affable Person, with all of the amenities and Accoutrement required to activity the distance. Radiator leaks aren't largely accepted with this chassis, on the contrary it may fall fall guy to leaks in other areas.
Radiator Damage from Debris
Radiator leaks aren't mainly daily on newer cars -- nevertheless not in that he radiators themselves are so even exceeding. It's seeing they're quite bushy-tailed protected on the front side of the vehicle by the air conditioning condenser in front and by the plastic electric cooling fans ultimate. All the more with the Eclipse's radiator opening vitality as low as it is, stones and debris kicked up into the opening are augmented feasible to damage the AC condenser than the radiator. So, unless the radiator fan Engine is somehow shoved forward into the radiator, you don't annex all the more to misery approximately in terms of damage from debris.
Plastic Problems
Provided the Eclipse's radiator has one Achilles heel, it's the plastic radiator reservoir tanks that many came with. Aluminum and plastic expand and contract at different rates, so, some kind of failure isn't unlikely as time goes on.
Hose Ends
Most radiator leaks don't happen at the radiator at all, even if that's where you find the water; the vast majority of leaks happen at the hose ends and at the radiator cap. Plastic reservoir tanks are aught fresh, and they don't normally antecedent problems -- nevertheless it is one extended creature that can hardihood erratic. Manufacturers fabricate these tanks by "welding" the plastic stable, then attach the plastic tanks to the aluminium core. These tanks can crack and leak at the welds, however are equitable as potential to leak where they equitable the aluminium radiator core.Rubber hoses, after constant subjection to heat, stress, vibration, oxygen and exhaust fumes, will harden over time. The hose conforms to the shape of the radiator outlet and clamp, and shrinks slightly away from the fittings. Mitsubishi coats the nozzles with a layer of sealant before they leave the factory, but subsequent repairs and removals will disturb the seal and make the hoses more prone to leakage.
Nozzle Problems
If the Eclipse's cooling system does have one design flaw -- which the tanks aren't, really -- then it has to do with the upper radiator hose nozzle. The upper cooling system nozzle is made of aluminum, which tends to corrode and pit differently than steel. The aluminum nozzle is part of the reason that Mitsubishi used hose sealant from the factory. So, If you or a previous owner have ever removed the upper hose without sanding the nozzle to rid it of corrosion and old sealant, then applied sealant afterward, you will eventually have problems with it. If you do remove the hose for whatever reason, you know now what to do to prevent problems in the future.
