xflow7 Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I discovered this morning that my radiator has begun leaking from along one of the seams where the bottom tank is attached. It qualifies as a seep, not a gush, but it is severe enough that it needs to be addressed. Anyone have any experience with repairing a radiator (or having it repaired)? Or am I better off just shelling out for a new one (and possibly upgrading to an ali rad in the process ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 (edited) Hi Dave, Having your radiator fixed is no big deal for a good rad shop. I have had a few fixed on different cars, Mostly MG's, with success. As for replacing the old one with a new Ali radiator, they can leak too !!!!! The rad on our cars are so low and out front, they take a beating. Good Luck, Steve Edited June 8, 2009 by S1Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xflow7 Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Hi Dave, Having your radiator fixed is no big deal for a good rad shop. I have had a few fixed on different cars, Mostly MG's, with success. As for replacing the old one with a new Ali radiator, they can leak too !!!!! The rad on our cars are so low and out front, they take a beating. Good Luck, Steve Thanks for the reply, Steve. Don't worry, the desire to upgrade to an ali radiator isn't motivated by anything so rational as a delusion that it couldn't leak. Sounds like it's worth trying to find a local rad shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 You should be able to repair it with a bottle torch. Just spend a lot of time cleaning the surface, and use a paste flux. A smaller tip will help direct the heat just to the seam area. You have to carefull that you do not melt the solider around the tube(s) that is next to the seam leak. Also make sure you have all the water out. Last, pressure test before to reinstall, because some of the old rads have had sealer used in them and the repair could loosen it. Good luck on the rad, Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 mine leaked and rad shop fixed for $60 if i recall correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I have to agree with S1Steve and slngsht about having it repaired at a radiator shop as they can due it without all the hassel and have the correct equipment to due it correctly for usually under a $100. They can also flush the system for you at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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