mgs
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: A little radiator lead - what to do?

To: MGS@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: A little radiator lead - what to do?
From: dondaves@ix.netcom.com (Don Daves)
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 15:06:07 -0800
>I've discovered a little leak in my radiator and am not sure what 
>lengths to go to to repair it.  

>My '79 B is squirting a little water/steam out of a (smaller than a) 
>pin hole near the top of the radiator.

>My question is...does this require a radiator overhaul or will some of 
>that gooey goopy stuff you add to your radiator fluid to repair small 
>holes do the trick?
>Frank Sperling
>79B "Mugs"

Frank, gooey goop is not the best route here.  I've had great success 
with a small patch of radiator tank metal soldered over the hole 
(assuming the leak is in the header tank and not the core or a seam).  
The area must be chemically and physically ground clean and bright for 
the solder to stick.  The cause of pinholes is usually corrosion and, 
most likely, other areas of the header are bound to leak - sooner or 
later.  This is why most reputable radiator shops insist on a full 
dismantle and rod-out when they repair the hole.  They'll be able to 
fully inspect the condition of your radiator and give you some repair 
options.  It shouldn't be horribly expensive for this service - I think 
I paid around $50 my last time a couple years ago.  Worst case - they 
may find that the header is too far gone for a dependable repair.  The 
shop I use doesn't charge if they can't fix it.

Hope this helps,
Don Daves  


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>