> Anyone have any emergency repair suggestions for a leaking radiator. I
> was thinking of trying to use an epoxy like J-B weld to try and stop it
> up. I'm hesitant to use one of those stop leaks that you add to the
> antifreeze for fear of gumming up my (newely rebuilt) engine. My
> coolant sustem runs on low pressure (about a 4 lb cap) doesn't have a
> thermostat but does have a water pump (earlier Singers didn't) I'll be
> driving about 100 miles or so each way.
>
> Any suggestions most welcome!!
Gene, I have to say I agree with John, might be best to forgo the trip.
However, since I've rarely been known to follow my own better instincts ...
I heartily second Andy's suggestion of "Aluma Seal" brand radiator sealer.
My 59 TR3A also was originally a 4 pound system, and I've used Aluma Seal
both many times and for long periods of time, since it's quite a chore to
remove the radiator on a TR3A. In fact, I'm using it right now, as my upper
radiator tank is cracked and I don't want to remove the front apron until
the new motor is ready.
But, all "powdery stuff" is not created equal ! I bought some a few months
ago that looked exactly like Aluma-Seal but was another brand ... it quickly
plugged up the radiator. That's a common problem with other brands (and in
25 years of driving a TR3A almost every day, usually with a leaky radiator,
I've tried lots of different brands) ... but I've never had that problem
with genuine Aluma-Seal. The good news is that "fast flush" will usually
remove the sealer (although it also opens all the leaks to max).
Not sure how well it would work on a system with no thermostat ... I think
it has to get hot to work. Might require some experimentation with covering
the radiator to get the engine hot, to get it to seal.
I've never had any luck with getting epoxy to adhere well enough to
withstand the thermal stresses as the radiator warms and cools. It's always
cracked and peeled for me.
My radiator shop will attempt a repair even of a core that "should" be
replaced if I ask them to ... you might ask yours if they would be willing
to try just so you can attend the show.
Randall
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