Aluminum radiator repair

[subtlez28]

I am nearly to the point of getting my M-spec going. I filled the coolant system withe Evan's waterless coolant before leaving on vacation. I get back a little over a week later to find a few drips on the floor!

 

I think the leak itself is a pin hole near a weld for a tab.

 

I really do not want the hassle of sending this new radiator back. In fact I would like to avoid the hassle of draining the system.

 

Can an aluminum radiator be repaired in place, if access is not an issue?

 

Can it be welded on with coolant in it?

 

I'm guessing I may be limited to draining it and taking it to a radiator shop, but I would sure like to avoid it.

 

I'm a little surprised the fabricator did not pressure test it prior to shipping it.

 

The leak is super small. It takes hours to feel the days to drip. Could it have been missed?

 

The worst part is I cannot contact the fabricator, his email no longer works. I have some feelers out to get new contact info...

 

Anyway, just looking for options.

 

Thanks

-Shaun-

[coffee break]

Before you do any disassembly, do a pressure test to confirm the location of the leak. The tool attaches like a radiator cap and has a pump to raise the pressure. It should also have a relief valve.

Good luck.

[Taber10]

Subtlez28,

 

You need to find a GOOD al welder, and not all welding shops and certainly not all radiator shops have them.

 

I would suggest that you get these "tabs" that Prestone and GM developed after Cadillac came out with the Northstar. It had porosity problems with some aluminum components that was not fixable with welding--you'd have to weld the whole system. These "tabs" work wonders for PINHOLES, not for punctures, etc. from what my mechanics say. GM provided the first ones through GM dealers, but now several sources duplicated the formula and any good auto parts may have them.

 

Good luck,

 

Taber