I have a 2002 Montero Sport 3.5 w/120k miles on it that suddenly started leaking coolant from an undetermined source. I took it to a shop where they pressure tested the system and concluded it was the heater core leaking (some signs of leakage inside the passenger compartment).

My question is... Is it a foregone conclusion that if the heater core needs to be changed, so should the radiator on these models? The mechanic was telling me that cooling system neglect is what caused the rusty brown water which corroded the heater core and he highly recommends changing the radiator too with 'after market' new replacements he proposes.

The core replacement is like $850 and another $300 for the radiator. I plan on keeping the car for a few more years so it's easy enough to say, replace the radiator and I might do that if they were factory components vs this aftermarket new thing.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,
cov

 

i would be more concerned about core plugs than rad.

 

Have you tried any "snake oil" coolant treatments? Not sure if any of them work, but if the leak is small, it may work. I hope someone who knows more about these additives may voice their opinion here.