Radiator woes
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Radiator woes
Just got back from the radiator shop.
- The core has a few leaks (patchable).
- Top and bottom tanks have split seams (fixable?)(P.O. had a 14 psi cap on a 4 psi radiator).
- Leaks on both top corners where the core meets the tank (opening the top tank to fix the corners opens a big can of worms and may cause more leaks).
Because it is a BIG 4-row radiator for an F-7, a new custom core is $875!!!!!!!
I am going with patching the core leaks and hoping to patch the split seams. And I am also hoping that stop leak will stop or slow the leaks in the top corners.
Does anyone have any other ideas or long term solutions?
John
NNY
- The core has a few leaks (patchable).
- Top and bottom tanks have split seams (fixable?)(P.O. had a 14 psi cap on a 4 psi radiator).
- Leaks on both top corners where the core meets the tank (opening the top tank to fix the corners opens a big can of worms and may cause more leaks).
Because it is a BIG 4-row radiator for an F-7, a new custom core is $875!!!!!!!
I am going with patching the core leaks and hoping to patch the split seams. And I am also hoping that stop leak will stop or slow the leaks in the top corners.
Does anyone have any other ideas or long term solutions?
John
NNY
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Thanks for the quick reply. The radiator shop owner does not want to open the top tank to repair the corners. The radiator is nearly 60 years old. He feels that it would create even more problems. It is kinda like working on old trucks - pull one part off to fix it and find two more problems.
I am sticking with the 4 psi cap. And, I will keep an eye out for any leaks around the corners.
John
NNY
I am sticking with the 4 psi cap. And, I will keep an eye out for any leaks around the corners.
John
NNY
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
You might be able to get by with a 2 row cross flow radiator, look at some of the later Dodge pickups. I was reading a post awhile back and that person was able to use a late 70's unit in his truck, also check the prices on the links below.
http://www.radiatorbarn.com/
http://www.usradiator.com/catalog.htm
Rod 51F1
http://www.radiatorbarn.com/
http://www.usradiator.com/catalog.htm
Rod 51F1
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
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From: Connecticut
Just had my F-5 four row re-cored, turned it into a 5-row. $495.00
It done, it's over, never have to "look for leaks" again.
Re core it and do it right! the worst enemy on these engines is HEAT.
What is more acceptable, a $500 new radiator, or a $3500 repair for a cracked block?
Prices are going up, don't wait too long.
Reamer
It done, it's over, never have to "look for leaks" again.
Re core it and do it right! the worst enemy on these engines is HEAT.
What is more acceptable, a $500 new radiator, or a $3500 repair for a cracked block?
Prices are going up, don't wait too long.
Reamer
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Find a different radiator shop - someone used to dealing with tractors and big trucks. Never hurts to get a second opinion.
Failing that - you would be surprised at how much you can do at home. It takes a different sort of solder iron - not an electric, but one with a big end that you heat with a torch. The solder is different than normal too - not acid core. You can do local repairs to a radiator, just take it slow and easy.
Failing that - you would be surprised at how much you can do at home. It takes a different sort of solder iron - not an electric, but one with a big end that you heat with a torch. The solder is different than normal too - not acid core. You can do local repairs to a radiator, just take it slow and easy.
