Pinhole on top of radiator. How to fix?

[fourgsixthree33]

I have a 1G radiator that I would like to use in my 2G again. I took it out and put the 2G radiator back in because the 1G radiator sprung a small pinhole leak on the top of the radiator.

Since it is plastic, I can't weld it. What can I use to patch it?

I tried JB Weld. It worked for a week or so, then peeled off due to it being plastic and getting hot.

Anything else that could work?

 

[1998_gst]

not really because its constantly under pressure then not, under pressure then not. it fluctuates so much so there really isn't a good fix other than a replacement, or an Upgrade

I have a 1G radiator that I would like to use in my 2G again. I took it out and put the 2G radiator back in because the 1G radiator sprung a small pinhole leak on the top of the radiator.

Since it is plastic, I can't weld it. What can I use to patch it?

I tried JB Weld. It worked for a week or so, then peeled off due to it being plastic and getting hot.

Anything else that could work?

 

[WES_393]

Permatex 09104 - Radiator Repair Kit | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Like mentioned above, you need something more flexible.

 

[93_tsi_fwd]

When you used jb weld, Did you sand down the surface so its rough before applying it?

 

[1998_gst]

jb weld and the permatex stuff is just more of a bandaid or temporary fix though? noone has been running for years using that stuff though right?

 

[BLOHS7844]

stick something in the hole

 

[1998_gst]

stick something in the hole

or this

 

[WES_393]

jb weld and the permatex stuff is just more of a bandaid or temporary fix though? noone has been running for years using that stuff though right?

The permatex kit is decent. It could last quite a while if applied well. Years and years? Probably not.

 

[Gearhead4G63]

Yea man u best off replacing or as said above find something to shove in that will best seal it.

 

[bryanwheat]

The kits and sealants are crap on a high heat radiator tank like this. The only way to seal it up is to actually use a plastic welding setup. It actually uses fillter and melts new plastic to the old. The kit can be bought at harbor freight. It is basically a high temp soldering iron with a flat tip and different filler rods.

 

[My1GLaser]

IMO, you didn't do good enough prep work for the JB weld to work. A pinhole shouldn't be a problem to fix with JB weld. I had a repaired spot last for over 4 years til I sold the car. JB weld is good to somewhere around 500*. It sticks to plastic just fine with the correct prep work.

You can always drill it out a little bit and screw a SS pan head screw in there and jb weld the threads and over the top of the screw. The screw will hold the pressure and the JB weld will seal the leak.

Sand with 60-80 grit. Sand the top of the screw also. Use a file or something to cut a cross hatch pattern around the area. (not real deep, just 1/32 or so) Clean really well with rubbing alcohol. Let dry completely. Mix up and apply the JB weld and let it sit for 24 hrs. You can even paint it after it cures so it doesn't stick out bad.

 

[fourgsixthree33]

The JB Weld I used was also that quck drying stuff, not the main type. Maybe that had something to do with it?

I did not even think to sand the surface before applying it.

I have some regular JB Weld so I will do the prep this time and see what happens.

Great replies with many ideas I didn't think of.

Thanks a lot and I will let you all know how the JB Weld job goes this time around.

 

[1983gsp]

Take the radiator to a repair shop. They will fix it permanently for $35-$50 depending on location. They might even replace the top tank.

 

[cl1ckclack]

quit being a cheap fvck AJ, and just go with an aluminum radiator...

 

[007jimmy]

quit being a cheap fvck AJ, and just go with an aluminum radiator...

+1.... A 20yr old rad with a patch job isnt the way to go. Get a cheap aluminum ebay radiator.

 

[BK85]

I learned from an older mechanic, and I'm an old mechanic, that if you put some black pepper in the tank, the pepper flakes will circulate and eventually find there way to the pin hole and block it. It's been holding on an old Bronco of mine for 3yrs.

Amazing the stuff you can do with some WD40, duct tape and now black pepper

BK85

 

[livedsm4g63]

Crack a few eggs in it, you'll be fine
But really, only use that if your in a pinch. It will cook the eggs and make it plug the hole.

 

[cl1ckclack]

100 bucks and you can get a brand new radiator from auto zone
it might be cheaper

cheaper? no. more effective? yes.

 

[livedsm4g63]

123 you can get an aluminum radiator from eBay that works wonders.

 

[fourgsixthree33]

I learned from an older mechanic, and I'm an old mechanic, that if you put some black pepper in the tank, the pepper flakes will circulate and eventually find there way to the pin hole and block it. It's been holding on an old Bronco of mine for 3yrs.

Amazing the stuff you can do with some WD40, duct tape and now black pepper

BK85

We do this at the track with the Dirt Mods if we have a small hole.

Tried it on a DSM once. BAD idea, made a mess, clogged EVERYTHING up.

 

[BLOHS7844]

this is really a simple fix. sure u could spend some money and get a new one but really just drill a slightly larger hole and put a screw in it.

 

[Ozone302]

Use some rtv silicone and let it dry overnight. Job weld is the best option though. Or you could quit being cheap and just get a new one like you should

 

[bryanwheat]

Take the radiator to a repair shop. They will fix it permanently for $35-$50 depending on location. They might even replace the top tank.

A radiator repair shop will just replace the tank if it is plastic. They will charge you more than what it cost's to buy a brand new radiator just for the tank and install. The cheapest i have been quoted is around 130 for a new tank and install. you can buy a new radiator from rockauto.com for around 80 bucks.