Radiator Repair
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 4
Radiator Repair
1978 F150, I6 300, with the little radiator.
Has anyone tried repairing a pinhole leak on a radiator? Suggestions on how to?
I have a good radiator shop nearby, but I'm trying to save some time and money by just doing it my self. I do have regular copper pipe solder and a torch.
Has anyone tried repairing a pinhole leak on a radiator? Suggestions on how to?
I have a good radiator shop nearby, but I'm trying to save some time and money by just doing it my self. I do have regular copper pipe solder and a torch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 138
From: tucson
It's doable. I've done it on my old radiator until i replace it when I rebuild the motor. The tubes can be hard if the hole is from the walls becoming thin from age use. Too hot a torch and it will burn/enlarge the hole.
I went to the hardware store and got the lowest melting solder I could find. They have lead in them. Plumbing solder doesn't and melts at a higher temp. This isn't critical if repairing a crack in the tank but can help on the tubes.
john
I went to the hardware store and got the lowest melting solder I could find. They have lead in them. Plumbing solder doesn't and melts at a higher temp. This isn't critical if repairing a crack in the tank but can help on the tubes.
john
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 133
Likes: 21
If the leak is on a tube you can get to. With the radiator out clean the area where the tube inters the tank. Use some flux. Heat the tank area around were the tube goes in with the smallest tip you have with light heat. Pull the tube lightly with a needle nose pliers , a little jiggle to loosen. Sometimes the solder present will flow back into hole but be ready to add some. If in an inner radiator tube you may have to work your way in.
Sometimes the tube can be soldered shut or remove the other end from the tank probably easier. The loss of one tube should be ok. And a pretty solid fix.
Sometimes the tube can be soldered shut or remove the other end from the tank probably easier. The loss of one tube should be ok. And a pretty solid fix.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
If the leak is on a tube you can get to. With the radiator out clean the area where the tube inters the tank. Use some flux. Heat the tank area around were the tube goes in with the smallest tip you have with light heat. Pull the tube lightly with a needle nose pliers , a little jiggle to loosen. Sometimes the solder present will flow back into hole but be ready to add some. If in an inner radiator tube you may have to work your way in.
Sometimes the tube can be soldered shut or remove the other end from the tank probably easier. The loss of one tube should be ok. And a pretty solid fix.
Sometimes the tube can be soldered shut or remove the other end from the tank probably easier. The loss of one tube should be ok. And a pretty solid fix.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 126
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Alrighty folks, back with a fixed radiator.
So I was installing a new water pump since the old began to weep. It was a real pain because of the compressor bracket attached to one of the mounting bolts and was in the way for a direct install. During my fumbling the pump feel out of the hole and hit the radiator on one of the tubes about 1/4 up from the bottom causing the leak/hole. Taking all ya'lls advice and searching some Youtube, I went and got a Soldering Iron and some "Metal Work" solder and patched the tiny hole. Now it's full of coolant, run up to temp and no leak. Thank you all for the help! I looked up a new replacement, it would have been $330.00 plus shipping. I spent less than $40 on the iron and solder.
So I was installing a new water pump since the old began to weep. It was a real pain because of the compressor bracket attached to one of the mounting bolts and was in the way for a direct install. During my fumbling the pump feel out of the hole and hit the radiator on one of the tubes about 1/4 up from the bottom causing the leak/hole. Taking all ya'lls advice and searching some Youtube, I went and got a Soldering Iron and some "Metal Work" solder and patched the tiny hole. Now it's full of coolant, run up to temp and no leak. Thank you all for the help! I looked up a new replacement, it would have been $330.00 plus shipping. I spent less than $40 on the iron and solder.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
Congratulations! $40 is far better than $330, plus you learned something. That's why I prefer the old brass & copper radiators. A "pinhole" can almost always be repaired if access is possible. Sometimes a bit of acid might be needed on the surface to assure cleanliness on an old radiator.
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