[Mgs] Repair or replace Radiator?

[Charles Hill]

Andrew,
A new radiator is the best solution.  Your radiator, if it is the 
original is 40 years old.  Even if you fix the leak, who know what it 
like inside.  And soldering a leaking radiator is not as easy as it 
might seem.  BTDT when I was younger and perpetually broke.  Solder up a 
leak and the heat from fixing that leak will melt the solder and create 
another leak somewhere else.  If you have plenty of time on your hands, 
you can eventually get it done.  Another alternative is trying a local 
radiator shop.  Fixing a leak shouldn't be that expensive.
Regards,
Charles Hill

 Andrew B. Lundgren wrote:
>  Anyone have any experience with radiator repair they would like to 
> share?
>
> I have never done it, I think you need to pressurize the radiator to 
> 15lbs or so find the leaks then patch all the leaks by soldering 
> them.  Wash and repeat until they are all gone.
>
> A new replacement for my '70 from Moss runs ~$200.
>
> If I have to take the rad anywhere to have it repaired, I am guessing 
> that the labor at todays prices will go up toward the replacement cost 
> pretty quick.  Do they still re-core radiators?
>
> I may be able to do it myself, I remember helping my father do it as a 
> kid, but have never done it myself.  I remember him fighting for quite 
> a while with a few stubborn leaks on the old International Travelall.  
> My dad is still around and would probably be willing to help me repair 
> it.
>
> Anyone have any tips/suggestions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> -- 
> Andrew Lundgren
> lundgren at byu.net