I had the shop replace the Radiator Hoses and Reservoir Tank a month ago on my son's Mazda RX8. Now my son was driving and steam was coming out of the hood and he drove it until the engine shut off. (Duh, son, I taught you better). So, we have it towed home and found the little PLASTIC (thanks Mazda Engineers) connector on the Radiator that is Famous for breaking off so you have to buy a whole new Radiator (did I say, thanks Mazda Design Engineers yet?). Shop says $200 for a Aftermarket or $600 for a OEM which will have the same little Plastic Connector and $300 for labor. Hmmm?? For a little broken plastic connector. I know there is a TSB on this but I don't think the Dealership will cover it since the RX8 is now 8 yrs old. So..... what to do. I chose Plan B. I used a Tap to put new Theads into the broken connector that was still left. I then screwed in a 1/8" x 1/4 Brass Connector into the Radiator, sanded the area and cleaned it with Maf cleaner and they applied some some two part Steel Expoxy Putty onto the new Brass Connector and Radiator. I used the Epoxy that comes in a roll and you break off what you need, knead it together and have 2 mins to apply it. Dries ROCK hard. Put all back together. So far, so good. Tomorrow, I'm going to take it out and run it hard and hot to see if this $12.00 Fix works. And I have a feeling the Top of the Radiator is Fiberglass not Plastic or maybe PVC type of material. Anyone know for sure. It sure is Brittle. I'll follow up in a few days, how this worked out. Either it will hold and save me $600 bucks or it'll come loose and the brass connector will blow a hole through the hood.

 

Sounds like a good fix. I just hope your coolant seals are still good after that episode, or a $600 radiator will be the least of your concerns.

 

I wouldn't expect it to last too long...and another catastrophic overheat will ensure you need a new motor.....

If the motor is still OK..a new radiator would be good insurance

 

there is already a proper DIY thread on this repair

https://www.rx8club.com/do-yourself-...m-forum-73846/

 

Did this on my dads 05 ford excursion 6.0L powerstroke. Came out pretty good, but i used RTV silicone to seal the threads. And yeah, if your son kept driving it and it overheated, engine might just be FUBAR now