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I've got a radiator with a hole in it. See pics.
Is this something a radiator shop could repair? Rockauto has them listed for between $100-$300.
I don't know if this is the original or not but it's not been changed as long as I've had it in 15 years.
The first pic you can see a small stream of spray.
In part it depends on what caused the leak. Was it hit? (possible as the fins look damaged) Or is it corrosion (which may be affecting other tubes as well).
The road side repair is to use needle nose pliers or similar to reach in and pinch off the tube above and below the leak. It is usually best to sever the tube at leak location and roll it up above and below. This will destroy some fins but may still work and stop the leak. If you can clean and pack some epoxy in the hole first this may work better or you or a radiator shop can solder.
The above may get you home or keep her going. Also may be a waste of time if the radiator is basically shot. In that case, the best option is usually replacement. I have had good luck with a Champion aluminum radiator after not so good luck with an "extra cooling" parts store brass/copper radiator.
For a hack repair use 2 ounces of black pepper in the radiator. It works for the small pinholes like you have and any others that may occur for that matter. If that is offensive go with Bars Leak and not alumaseal.
I take ALL of my radiators to my nearby shop regardless. Costs me around $60-80 depending on the condition. A newly boiled radiator is a world of improvement every time. I've yet to take anything in they could not fix even counting one that caught a fan blade. And they swirl out the filler hole and make the brass all nice and shiny!
Whatever you do, stay away from the aluminum center / plastic sided ones. I've inherited 3 and none were worth a crap. They are un-fixable as well.
I tried to solder it myself tonight. Now I've got 2 leaks. I guess I'll try to take it off and take it down town to a radiator shop and see what they say.
If I do look for a new one I have a manual transmission with air conditioning. Does it matter about which one I select? Can you just plug the transmission cooler holes? Or?
MIne had a small leak and was partly clogged. I had been considering a new one, but didn't want aluminum / plastic. A local shop took it apart, rodded it out, cleaned it up real nice, put it back together and painted it. Dropped some solder on the leaking tube. $189 and it's like new and works great. Always check with a local shop first.
I tried to solder it myself tonight. Now I've got 2 leaks. I guess I'll try to take it off and take it down town to a radiator shop and see what they say.
If I do look for a new one I have a manual transmission with air conditioning. Does it matter about which one I select? Can you just plug the transmission cooler holes? Or?
Yeah soldering/brazing radiators is a bit of an art, and a dying one at that.
If the new radiator comes with a cooler for an automatic trans you don't have to hook it up - it is generally just a length of tube inside the bottom tank, so leaking it open (or with the factory plastic plugs in) won't hurt, and it can't leak.
If you don't plug the holes you risk becoming a mobile mud dabber nest. And may not be able to use it if ever went to an auto unless you clean it out somehow.
It never hurts taking it to the radiator shop as others have suggested. I did this and after attempting a repair , they advised it was going to end up costing more than simply replacing. I appreciated this honesty and figured that even if they were to fix it, it was only a matter of time until the 45 y/o copper failed again.
I put a new 3 row aluminum radiator in when mine was leaking. I could have record it but aluminum cools better.
Fitment and quality has improved over the years and it was a direct, bolt in replacement, even the factory shroud was a perfect fit.
No mods what so ever!
I'm lucky enough to have a rad-shop 25 miles away from me. Mine were also the only ones able to supply an a/c unit within 24 hours (after a deer-strike on the daily driver) and at a 1/3rd price of the auto parts stores.
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