Radiator Leak Quick-Fix?
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Radiator Leak Quick-Fix?
This is my first post in the forums...
I have a 1992 F150 4x4 302 AT, and recently I have been hearing a sizzling sound and have been smelling coolant. I have found the leak, it is very small and on the top, close to the cap. I have tried "stop-leak," and it did not work. I am hesitant to use this again, as I am afraid I may clog the system. Would soldering and/or brazing work to patch this, or would the high temperatures damage the radiator?
Pete
I have a 1992 F150 4x4 302 AT, and recently I have been hearing a sizzling sound and have been smelling coolant. I have found the leak, it is very small and on the top, close to the cap. I have tried "stop-leak," and it did not work. I am hesitant to use this again, as I am afraid I may clog the system. Would soldering and/or brazing work to patch this, or would the high temperatures damage the radiator?
Pete
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If the leak is readily accessable, sand it off and examine it carefully to see if you can determine the cause. If it is from corrosion or metal fatigue, consider a new radiator.
If you drain the coolant a couple of inches below the leak, there is a good chance you can fix it with a soldering iron/gun using acid core soldering flux and 50/50 solder.
A leaking seam would require a radiator shops services for a long term repair.
But then, you can't ruin a rotten egg. I would at least try to solder it up.
If you drain the coolant a couple of inches below the leak, there is a good chance you can fix it with a soldering iron/gun using acid core soldering flux and 50/50 solder.
A leaking seam would require a radiator shops services for a long term repair.
But then, you can't ruin a rotten egg. I would at least try to solder it up.
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