plastic radiator repair. Please give it a look

[EMB5530]

My father runs a radiator shop and the way you would have to go about fixing it to a satisfactory condition is probably not really possible for the do it yourselfer.
IMO to fix the tank you would have to remove it and repair it from the inside and out.
Removing it is no prob as you just bend the aluminum tabs out and the tank comes off but to put them back togther my dad has a type of press that pushes the tank back down on the core of the radiator w/ a gasket in between then you just bend the tabs back and when fixing a aluminum rad the tabs only last 1 maybe 2 fixes if you dont get it sealed the tabs dont hold up to a lot of bending.
There are many different ways to patch it but an easy one is a plastic gas tank repair kit available at most NAPA stores but like I say you will have to get very ingenious to press the tank back on tight enough for no leaks.

good luck

 

[Car Doc]

I have a special epoxy just for radiators and have fixed quite a few even fixed a few aluminum condensers that had holes punched in them.

I wont do repairs anymore its not worth it to me because I am in a business that if I mess something up by me putting my hands on it I am liable for it and everything that comes after so I take out a bad chunk and put in a new chunk (new radiator etc) and forget about it.

 

[jonyyuma]

Yes, You can buy replacement end caps for some plastic radiator, just not sure about op's. Put it on the table and use two pipe type clamps like you were glueing a table. Two thin strips of wood for support in between clamps and radiator. When tighten the tabs, no Jig needed..But he might need a new gasket too or rtv. Anyway he was wanting patching recommendations? Glad he stuck it, now the time test begins../

 

[TCJatko]

Good job on the repair. I fixed a copper weathervane nearly a decade ago with JB Weld, after 9 or so New Hampshire winters it still holds. I'm betting your repair will last indefinitely.

 

[Soundguy]

. and I had an old stainless steel rack in my warehouse at work, that I think came out of a drink machine. Any how its heavy, c channel type, looks pretty stout. I fahioned it into a little brush gaurd, hope it saves me doing this ever again! I will post back in a few weeks with more good reviews! ( I hope)

brush guard is a good idea. my ford 4600 does alot of my mowing now.. made one that fits close in so it's hard to get a stick around it and nto the grill.. plus it's also wider than the engine compartment of the tractor.

good luck!

soundguy

 

[firemanpat2910]

so far so good. I ran the tractor most of the day Saturday. and the owners son has been beating the heck out of it all week. No leaks at all. The brush gaurd has bark stuck all in it, and seems to be stopping the branches from doing more damage. Tractor is down again though, one front tire went flat again and this time I couldnt get it reseat. Long story short, 2 shiney new shoes will be on it Thursday after work !!!

 

[Soundguy]

keep er' goin!

 

[firemanpat2910]

UPDATE !!!!!! it has been almost a year, the tractor has worked very hard all year. The patched radiator is working perfectly. We have mowed all year, plowed, planted, maintained the roads, leveled the site for the 20x100 greenhouse. and moved some huge stumps in the burn piles. Caused several Hyd leaks, had the steering come apart, and wore out the tailwheel bearing on the bush hog, but the radiator hasnt leaked a drop !!!

 

[cmore]

Great!

 

[Soundguy]

awesome news.. thanks for the update!