Radiator leak
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 356
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Radiator leak
Hey guys
The radiator on my 77 f150 w/400 is leaking. The leak is around the fitting for the tranny cooler line. it is a crack right around the ouside edge of it . I was going to drain the radiator tomarrow and put JB-weld on it. Should this work? Any other suggestions? Thanks
David
The radiator on my 77 f150 w/400 is leaking. The leak is around the fitting for the tranny cooler line. it is a crack right around the ouside edge of it . I was going to drain the radiator tomarrow and put JB-weld on it. Should this work? Any other suggestions? Thanks
David
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Radiator leak
You should be able to fix that with a propane torch and acid core solder. You must clean the area to shiny metal. I would give the JB weld 5 min or 5 miles before it failed in this case. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Radiator leak
Should be a good temporary/permanent fix.
Make sure you clean and dry it really good, may even want to rough up the surface some for better adhesion.
You could always take it to a rad shop and get it brazed, or even do it yourself. I am sure if you cleaned it up and soldered it using a torch that would seal it too. But JB weld is way easier
Of course if it is an old rad it may just crack in another place
Make sure you clean and dry it really good, may even want to rough up the surface some for better adhesion.
You could always take it to a rad shop and get it brazed, or even do it yourself. I am sure if you cleaned it up and soldered it using a torch that would seal it too. But JB weld is way easier
Of course if it is an old rad it may just crack in another place
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Radiator leak
David, Pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop. They can check it out there. They will pressure test it and rod out the cores and clean it. They can also patch the leak properly and even get you a new radiator if yours is beyond hope.
I have the equipment, and I can weld, braze, and solder, on many types of metals. I can use the many adhesives I have, and a few that you can't buy, like a pro after spending many years in Engineering labs... -And I still take my work like this to the radiator shop.
I have the equipment, and I can weld, braze, and solder, on many types of metals. I can use the many adhesives I have, and a few that you can't buy, like a pro after spending many years in Engineering labs... -And I still take my work like this to the radiator shop.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Radiator leak
I agree with the radiator shop. JB Weld might work and it might not. If it doesn't, good luck trying to get a shop to fix it right.
And while it's there definitely get it rodded out and pressure tested. It shouldn't be too expensive to get it repaired. It'll be like getting a new radiator for a lot less money.
If you try to solder or braze it yourself it's very easy to weaken the tank joint near the repair and end up with a bigger leak than when you started. The guys at the shop do this day in and day out. It's definitely an art.
And while it's there definitely get it rodded out and pressure tested. It shouldn't be too expensive to get it repaired. It'll be like getting a new radiator for a lot less money.
If you try to solder or braze it yourself it's very easy to weaken the tank joint near the repair and end up with a bigger leak than when you started. The guys at the shop do this day in and day out. It's definitely an art.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Radiator leak
Before i put a bunch of cash into fixin it,i would price a new one at auto-zone or advance auto.some are supriseingly affordable.ive bought 3!!! 82 mustang $60,84 Ranger $70,and 89 plymoth van
$80.at least then you know your not gona have to put more money into it,unless you hit a deer
nother one for van $80 lol
$80.at least then you know your not gona have to put more money into it,unless you hit a deer nother one for van $80 lol
