Radiator Epoxy?

[kruegdr]

After a 4 wheeling trip, I sprung a leak in the S-10's radiator. It's an aluminum core with crimped on plastic tanks.

When I went by the rad' shop today to see why I hadn't gotten a call back, they showed me a leak between some of the tubes and the aluminum header tank flange.

The guy said he could epoxy it and it wouldn't be warranted. I told him I'd get back to him on that.

So, has anyone ever had their radiator "professionally" epoxied? Does it work? Is it easy to do by oneself?

 

[btbsandman]

If it was me, I would do the epoxy as a quick fix if it was under $10. Personally I would replace the radiator ASAP. I would hate to have a radiator go bad and then loose an engine or be stuck calling a tow truck. Radiators are pretty easy to replace, it just takes time.

 

[jhn9840]

I've used JB Weld on a radiator as a roadside repair before. Don't think that it would make a good permanant fix.

jhn9840
John

 

[kbs2244]

Have him epoxy it and tell him you are in the market for a replacement.
If he knows he has a replacement job coming he should do a decient job, so he dosn't tick you off, and still be willing to give you a good price on the replacment.
Work it out with him.

 

[Garage5.9]

s10 rad is pretty easy to change. The fan shroud is 2 pieces so it makes that much easier. Just disconnect the cooler lines if its auto and the rest should be pretty much straight forward

 

[sberry]

I have epoxy several over the years, one well over 10 yrs and still working.

 

[crewchief888]

After a 4 wheeling trip, I sprung a leak in the S-10's radiator. It's an aluminum core with crimped on plastic tanks.

When I went by the rad' shop today to see why I hadn't gotten a call back, they showed me a leak between some of the tubes and the aluminum header tank flange.

The guy said he could epoxy it and it wouldn't be warranted. I told him I'd get back to him on that.

So, has anyone ever had their radiator "professionally" epoxied? Does it work? Is it easy to do by oneself?

in one word

No

50/50 it's gonna leak again, i havent seen a shop that will warranty a patch job on a plastic tank. usually as soon as pressure builds up, the tank flexes slightly and the epoxy dont = instant leak.

i think the last s-10 radiator i got from the junkyard was $45, autozone/pepboys ect have new ones for $125 or so.

 

[jcabbbang]

Had a clumsy buddy in my engine compartment working, who hit a radiator fiting with his foot and caused a small leak. The epoxy fix O'Rielly's sells fixed the small leak with no issues for several years. Friend is barred from the engine compartment. Chris