Can a Radiator Be Repaired ( Non MGB )

The radiator on the hubby's truck has been leaking a little tiny bit. He removed it yesterday. It has "plastic on each side where the lines and hoses connect". We found two tiny hairline cracks "in the plastic both near each other". The metal part of the radiator is fine.

The hubby is now off to a doctors appointment in Roanoke, Va ( the last one for his rotator cuff ) and before he left he asked me to order a new radiator from Advance Auto this morning. I just called and the darn thing is right at $300.00!

Question for ya'll before I do order. Has anyone had any success repairing a tiny leak, and I really mean a tiny leak, like that with JB Weld, Gorilla Glue, or something else on that plastic part? Sure would be nice to just fix that little bitty leak and not have to pay a fortune for a new one.


Your turn :)

I doubt that these plastic tanks can be repair - perhaps a radiator shop. But look at www.rockauto.com . Their prices, even with shipping, are more often than not cheaper (read that "less expensive") than other places and stores that I have found.

Wayne

I think that kind - with the plastic cannot be reasonably repaired. The ones that are all metal, especially all-copper construction are easier to deal with. If you have a good local radiator shop - call them. They'll most likely give you a straight answer.

Naomi,

About a year ago, my GMC p/u sprung a leak on the left side of the plastic, right below where the top hose connects. My local radiator shop ordered a new side for it, installed it and it works like new.....no leaks etc. They said this type of failure was common with these radiators. I don't recall the actual cost, but it was less than $100.00.

Might be worth checking out.

Warmest regards,
ray h

That sounds spendy. What are the details on the truck? I bet some one can find a better price.

Try heat welding with a large soldering iron. If it works great, if not you are no worse off.

A fiberglass patch might work, but for $100, a new tank installed would be a better bet. JMO. In many cases in my neck of the woods, it is cheaper to buy a new radiator than to have the old one recored. I mention just for comparison.

I have JB welded one in a Honda and a friend did his in another car. The Honda lasted a little over 2 years before failing again. The other one, I didn't do, only lasted a week or so. Give it a try, for 5 bucks it may buy some more miles. Clean and rough up the area well first for best results. In the long run you'll have to have a new radiator or have the one repaired at a shop.
Bill

Guess I'm never going to find out because the hubby went to Advance Auto when he returned home and ordered a new one :)