radiator neck leak - problem of the day

[bobgreco]

Seems like I am having lots of little issues. I just want the truck to run for another day or two (for a car show in town) until I start the repainting project.

Todays problem is that the upper radiator connection is leaking. My truck had the wrong water outlet neck which caused the hose to be putting a lot of upward pressure on thii connection. It is not leakign a lot, but needs to be fixed. (And yes, I put the right outlet on also.)

Is soldering on the radiator connection similar to soldering plumbing? In other words, just flux, a torch and some solder? Has anyone done this succesfully or should I take it to a radiator shop?

As always, thanks a bunch!!

Bob

[Gary WA]

You got it. Make sure the water level is below the solder area. good hot torch /flux/solder. You can do it!! Good clean area.

[Brian T]

Hello Bob,
This is exactly the same issue I had a few weeks ago I have the wrong outlet, I made a temperary fix ..... I drained the coolant to below the leak then loosened the upper hose clamp to relieve the strain ..... cleaned off the leaking area with a file and sand paper ..... and sealed with a thin layer of JB weld ..... let set for 24 hours ..... retightened the clamp ..... so far so good.
Regards Brian T.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Gary WA

Good clean area.

It is a must !!!!!

My son recored his own radiator so you don't need alot of experence.

[shooter54]

I had the same issue too. The guy I bought it from globbed on about a half a tube of RVT and wrapped a piece of a robe around it...

I pulled it out and took it to the radiator shop and they charged me I think $30 to clean it off, find the leak, and repair it.

[bobgreco]

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Thanks much. I am going to try to fix it myself while the truck is apart for painting. I know right where the leak is.

[lindy williams]

This is a common problem with repro radiators because the neck is just soldered to the upper tank. On original radiators the neck was crimped to the upper tank and then soldered. Much stronger! But this is all most of us have these days.

[tdlmomowers]

When soldering on a radiator, make sure everything is very clean and dry. Lower the coolant level to below the area being repaired. I like to clean the area and then spray it off with some Brakecleen and allow it to dry before soldering. Use a good quality flux and some 50-50 solder. Always worked for me.

[Kirby1374]

Originally Posted by tdlmomowers

When soldering on a radiator, make sure everything is very clean and dry. Lower the coolant level to below the area being repaired. I like to clean the area and then spray it off with some Brakecleen and allow it to dry before soldering. Use a good quality flux and some 50-50 solder. Always worked for me.

I've heard you need to be careful with brake cleaner, that you don't want to inhale the burning fumes. Lacquer thinner or carb cleaner may be better. After reading a horror story about brake cleaner and welding I almost don't use brake cleaner for anything but brakes.