Kubota MX5100: Broken radiator hose port (plastic)

[TheKid]

I don't know if it will work but Rapid-Fix looks promising. In their video they repair a cracked plastic radiator. You could always E-mail them a picture of the broken area and ask if they think it would work. For $30 it might be worth a shot.

 

[CJONE]

Thanks for all your suggestions and expressions of empathy. I'm going to keep the broken radiator -- who knows: someone somewhere may someday have need for the upper tank or the core and I may be able to help him out.

I've thought about using JB Weld to repair it, but honestly, i'm not sure it'd withstand the forces associated with installing and removing the hose, let alone the pressure on such a large area as the gash in the radiator now.

Firemanpat, I'm intrigued by your repair -- well done for avoiding the cost of a new radiator!

I believe it would, I have repaired trans cooler fittings on raidiators and fins with good sucess. Pull the rad clean both pieces with carb cleaner or alcohol, be sure there is no dirt or junk in the area,run a bead around the break and set the part. Then run a thick bead around the break AFTER the first one sets up. CJ

 

[jcliburn]

Alrighty then. I just reattached the hose port to the radiator with JB Weld. The fit wasn't as clean as I'd hoped -- the plastic on the port was somewhat deformed from being torn away -- but hopefully it'll be good enough.

I'll add a second coat around the seam tomorrow and reinstall the radiator Friday or Saturday.

We'll see...

 

[Depmandog]

I don't know if it will work but Rapid-Fix looks promising. In their video they repair a cracked plastic radiator. You could always E-mail them a picture of the broken area and ask if they think it would work. For $30 it might be worth a shot.

Rapid Fix - if that stuff works half as well as the video suggests, I am sold. Gonna have to buy a kit and try for myself. Thanks for the tip!

 

[silvertramp]

Alrighty then. I just reattached the hose port to the radiator with JB Weld. The fit wasn't as clean as I'd hoped -- the plastic on the port was somewhat deformed from being torn away -- but hopefully it'll be good enough.

I'll add a second coat around the seam tomorrow and reinstall the radiator Friday or Saturday.

We'll see...

If it's feasible, I'd embed some aluminum flashing/ flexible plastic to span the seam. I'll bet it'll be stronger than OEM.
I fixed a stout spring clamp on a battery charger that snapped. I glued it with JB Weld and re-enforced it with embeded aluminum coil stock. Better than new.

 

[EE_Bota]

I always try to remind folks that JB weld is a good insulator...for those times when a wire has to go through a case like on old generators, etc.

Also, fiberglass cloth and the resin used with fiberglass can bolster something that is repaired with an epoxy.

 

[TheKid]

I always try to remind folks that JB weld is a good insulator...for those times when a wire has to go through a case like on old generators, etc.

I have to disagree with that. 10 to 20% of the resin is iron powder. I found that out when I was trying to attach a Neodymium magnet to an aluminum plate with JB weld. I put a big blob on the plate and when I set the magnet down the JB weld started moving toward the magnet.

It's listed in section 15 of the MSDS.

http://jbweld.net/techinfo/MSDS Weld Resin Jan-11.pdf

 

[PapaPerk]

For reliability I would replace the radiator with a new one... and avoid driving over brush, etc. :thumbsup:

 

[jcliburn]

Reinstalled the radiator today, added coolant, and drove the tractor a mile to get back home. It held!!! No leaks!!!

Yet. :dance1:

 

[silvertramp]

Congrats! :thumbsup: