7 replies to this topic

[BillyTheHobbit]

Hi Guys,

What's the best way to fix a small hole in the radiator, it was working fine until I had to take it out to replace the engine mounts, the coolant started coming your from the bottom corner and I traced it further up when I had to take it back out, still can't see the hole but know that there is one,
Hopefully I won't need a whole new
Radiator,
Thanks

[dklawson]

I am unclear from your description of where the hole is.  Are you saying it is in one of the header tanks, the core, or where the core joins the header tank?  Header tank holes can be patched by careful cleaning of the area around the hole and flowing solder over the hole.  (Use a heavy soldering iron or a very focused small flame).  Small holes in the core can be repaired in a similar manner but it is often difficult to prepare the area around the hole.  I have seen special sealant putties that can be applied to the tubes/fins of the core to seal tiny holes.  If it is a leak between the core and header tank DIY repairs can be very tricky and were it me... I would take the radiator to a repair shop to have it plugged.  If you are not confident with your soldering skills a professional shop should be your first stop anyway.

[Dusky]

If it is in the core fins itself then you can buy something like copper dust orso, it fixes small leaks.. I know ponyparts sell it online

[Captain Mainwaring]

You can clean back the areas with spirits of salt first and use a good quality leaded solder wire, don't try and use a potable water solder - it flows terribly.

 

Tin the area first, then warm it up to just on melting heat, playing the flame on and off while warming up the solder wire - then dot and dab the solder onto the tinned area t build up a little snot of solder - play the flame until the solder just becomes plastic - let it cool without quenching.

[dklawson]

If it is in the core fins itself then you can buy something like copper dust orso, it fixes small leaks.. I know ponyparts sell it online

 

While those "dump in" powders and liquids do work, they often come with a hidden cost.  Most contain a product like sodium silicate (water glass) that will fill the hole and become a permanent repair.  That sounds great but they also tend to leave behind a coating over the entire cooling system that reduces the efficiency of heat transfer.  I had to replace the radiator on one (non Mini) car because the previous owner had used a lot of the "stop leak" products.  After repeated engine flushes and component swaps I was finally forced to replace the radiator.

 

I would not hesitate to use the radiator stop leak coolant additives if I had an emergency.  Of course... for emergencies involving small leaks you can also use "eggs" and "ground black pepper" (really... you can).  However, if I had time to fix the leak without the additives I would either make the repairs myself with solder or I would take the radiator to a shop for proper repairs. 

[psychobob]

can I nominate myself for bodger of the week. I fixed my ally radiator with a blob of araldite and it held out for another two years!

[Dusky]

can I nominate myself for bodger of the week. I fixed my ally radiator with a blob of araldite and it held out for another two years!

*googles araldite*

[dklawson]

can I nominate myself for bodger of the week. I fixed my ally radiator with a blob of araldite and it held out for another two years!

 

Nope.  Sorry.  As I mentioned in my first post there are radiator patching putties for sale and they are basically the same as what you used.  So... no awards for bodging.  Instead you get points for creativity and being resourceful.