Radiator? replace or recondition

[Yanmar guy]

Hi

I have a Yanmar 2210 tractor 2wd.

Had small leak(s) in radiator. Use stop leak and seem to stop the leak. Tractor still overheat sometimes after 20min, sometiemes after 1 hr. If i get radiator dipped and boiled out, could that just make more leaks that have been fixed by stop leak.

Should I just replace radiator or recorr or chance that the boiling out of radiator helps the problem and not make it worse?

thanks for any info!
YG

 

[tallyho8]

I have found that while stop leak frequently stops leaks ok, it also plugs the radiator somewhat and causes it to run hotter.

After boiling it out the stop leak will be removed and there may be leaks that can not be repaired.

A recore is your best alternative.

 

[careyo63]

Welcome to TBN.Not a big fan of stop leak it usally plugs up more than the leak.Nor am I of recores had one blow up on me yrs.ago that sucked big time.If I was going to keep the tractor If it was me new.It comes dowm to new or rebuilt as new will most surely out last repaired.IMHO you get what you pay for.The parts dealers on here would like to know what model you have so they can reply.

Carey

 

[careyo63]

Hi

If i get radiator dipped and boiled out, could that just make more leaks that have been fixed by stop leak.

Happens alot when they pressure it up to check for leaks.

 

[LMTC]

If stop leak was a good solution, OEMs would package it with a car. It is A solution, but a compromise solution at best. I would not buy a tractor if I knew the owner had used stop leak and then run the tractor any appreciable amount of time. I think you'd never get it out of every part of the cooling system, and it blocks flow any place it is able to gather and block flow (think ANY small openings, not just "leaks"....it doesn't know the difference between a leak and any other small opening.). Price the radiator....it's a lot less expensive than repairing a head damaged from overheating. Email us if you want a price...include an address.

 

[oldhippy]

I bought a new radiator from Wayne at LMTC instead of having the old one repaired. I also ordered new hoses and replaced the belt while I was at it. I think that I would flush the whole system with old radiator, to remove any residue left in engine. Lots of luck with whatever you decide to do. big dan

 

[Kays Supply]

Not trying to change anyone's mind, just something I found interesting. A mechanic I use, told me that GM had so much trouble with the plastic radiators, they started putting a form of stop leak in their new cars during production.

 

[LMTC]

I've read that claim. IF it is true, it still only means that an OEM, faced with a potentially horrific recall, opted for a temporary solution which they apparently believed would get them out of the warranty period. I repeat...if it was such a great idea, it would come standard already in cooling systems, as the cost is minimal. Does it work? Yes, in some cases. But just think about it....it is designed to block leaks, which are areas of flow. How does it know the difference between a hole in the skin of the radiator and a narrow passage in the cooling fins? It will absolutely cause some loss of cooling volume in the radiator, and that can eventually lead to overheating. Stuck in the field, days away from civilization, I would use it. But not when I had other options. Once that circulates throughout the water jacket, I can't imagine ever getting it all out.

 

[Yanmar guy]

Thanks everyone for the info. I was trying to figure out if it would probably cost more to have radiator checked/boiled and the possiblility of more leaks found/made and then have to get it recorred or get new one and have that additional cost.

I have seen the radiators for about $285-300 on other posts and will probably go that way when funds are more available. Still have other means to mow at this time.

Thanks Again
YG

 

[RobJ]

If the shop you are taking it to can boil it out, then have them repair it. Usually just a little solder or brazing on a joint. They'll also test it and you'll get a short warranty. Got to be a lot less than a new one.