radiator fix?

[tttz]

Hi guys and gals,

I sprung a leak in my '79 280ZX radiator. it is a small hole, in an easily accessible location, and i was wondering if it is easy to fix something like this. it looks like the hole was caused by a dent in the tube, probably from a rock. Also, what materials are required, and any other advice would be appreciated.

I know the best solution would be to buy a new radiator, but I'd rather fix this one.

Thanks,

Ty

[seerex]

I have used JB weld with very good results on radiators but it isn't a true permant fix. You can get it at any local hardware or auto parts place. Lasted 3-4 years on a couple of cars I used this on . Good Luck

[ncz]

Seerex is right, that stuff will fix almost anything. If you can get the rad out, a good shop can probably patch the hole more permenantly and fairly cheap

[tttz]

thanks. JB Weld will be on my next shopping list. I've seen online stuff for brazing repairs. has anyone had any luck brazing thier own radiators? i only saw aluminum brazing supplies. are the stock radiators aluminum? if not, what material are they?

-Ty

[mlc240z]

i've used JBWeld before but i've also had very good luck with regular soldering.

i've soldered small leaks with a propane torch, acid flux and regular plumbing solder. drain, get the area of leak as clean as you can (wire brush), apply flux and heat the part until the solder will flow into the hole. heat the part, not the solder which will help it to flow and seal. don't overload with solder internally since it might plug the tube you're trying to fix.

alternatively, i recently took my leaky heater core to a local radiator shop. for $35 they boiled it out, repaired the leak and pressure tested to 25lbs since i didn't want to have to pull it out in the near future. for me it was worth the price.

hope this helps,

bart

[tttz]

thanks guys,

That is very helpful to know i have some options that have worked for others. I appreciate the feedback. good luck to all of you.

-Ty