Patching a Radiator?, Help... Options

[KAMiX]

Ok my radiator has a hairline crack along the top. Squeezing the top hose used to make it bulge a little around the crack, and looked like it could get worse. I got some organic cleanser/patcher stuff, which you mix with your coolant and flushes any corrosion or build ups and also goes hard when it comes in contact with air. Seems to be doing a good job so far.

But I want to patch the radiator externally (it's looking kinda nasty), and not sure exactly what to use on the ceramic/plastic type surface. Has anyone got any idea's on what to use? I haven't messed with this material before, and don't want to pay some radiator shop to do something I could do.

Cheers

[fastgt]

usually those things dont work, i tried sealing my radiator on my old camry and it just went back to spewing water out, best bet is to take ure radiator to a shop and have the top tank replaced

[Rjb23]

The people who owned my celica before my had a minor wreck, they cracked the radiator right below the fill thing. I just used some epoxy on it and it hasn't leaked since, just make sure when you do it, its cool and clean, ruff it up with some sandpaper, and use an epoxy that will expand with heat.

[lagos]

i wouldnt cheap out on anything that has to do with the cooling system of the car. i would say to get a new radiator. you dont want to find out that your engine died because you lost all your coolant and didnt notice it.

[S_C_M]

Imo, you should buy a new radiator. Your cooling system should never be neglected, particularly if you know a component is failing. You should be able to get an aftermarket rad for not too much money, and replacing it (and the hoses) is simple and straightforward.

[KAMiX]

Yeah was thinking about replacing it but I am getting a whole bunch of work done to to the car over the next few weeks (new header, clutch, timing belt, rust cutout/repainted, hopefully wheels, alarm system, etc.) so a bit short on cash for now. Not to mention that this is already a nice big aftermarket rad. with 2 nice fans, and the crack is real small - it hasn't leaked yet.

I always keep a close eye on my coolant & oil levels so I might just try some high temp epoxy on the outside and see how it goes for now. If it's no good I'll swap it.

This post has been edited by KAMiX: May 17, 2004 - 3:00 AM

[Hanyo]

i tried repairing a small crack on the top of my radiator.. it didnt work. nothing could stand the pressure of the coolent...

[toyotaspeed_90]

[Drocay]

they got some magnum steel epoxy stuff that hardens and can stand up to 1600 psi.

[Kwanza26]

JB weld (if you have it in Austrailia) would be my first choice for a fix like that... however, don't consider it a long-term fix. It's reccomended that you replace the radiator (like all of the other folks here have said)... but if you're short on cash... JB weld (or something similar) should do the trick.