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Hole in Radiator

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Rideandrepair, Mar 31, 2023.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Mar 31, 2023 #1
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    676CD920-3B16-4227-A5B4-47D3DFE26016.jpeg My bargain radiator was’t such a bargain after all. Only 2 yrs old. Any ideas on how to patch it? Temporarily fix?
     
    Rideandrepair, Mar 31, 2023
    Rideandrepair, Mar 31, 2023
    #1
    JoeyJunk, D.Tibbitt and Siinman Thank this.
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  3. Mar 31, 2023 #2
    Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Can’t blame the rad for that as it was clearly hit by something. Seen it happen to brand new radiators.

    Drain it dry and JB weld?
     
    Goodysnap, Mar 31, 2023
    Goodysnap, Mar 31, 2023
    #2
    Magoo1968, AModelCat, Rideandrepair and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Mar 31, 2023 #3
    Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Needle nose plier, squeeze the tubes shut on both sides, then stop leak additives in the coolant.
     
    Lazer, Mar 31, 2023
    Lazer, Mar 31, 2023
    #3
    AModelCat, Rideandrepair and buddyd157 Thank this.
  5. Mar 31, 2023 #4
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    if i were you, i'd do the needle nose pliers trick, then get it professionally fixed, then install a metal screen (like a screen door screen) behind the grille to help stave off this from happening again.

    you clearly got a HUGE dent just below and to the left.....something hit you, the radiator did not fail, YOU FAILED, by not having protection in front of it, to stave this off...
     
    buddyd157, Mar 31, 2023
    buddyd157, Mar 31, 2023
    #4
    FLHT, BoxCarKidd, Concorde and 1 other person Thank this.
  7. Mar 31, 2023 #5
    little cat 500

    little cat 500 Road Train Member

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    epoxy puddy get at auto parts store works great
     
    little cat 500, Mar 31, 2023
    little cat 500, Mar 31, 2023
    #5
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  8. Mar 31, 2023 #6
    ibcalm19

    ibcalm19 Road Train Member

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    Easy fix drain it solder it done deal
     
    ibcalm19, Mar 31, 2023
    ibcalm19, Mar 31, 2023
    #6
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  9. Mar 31, 2023 #7
    Inderjit

    Inderjit Medium Load Member

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    Solder would be the best repair. Is there a rad shop near you?
    It would be a minor job for them and as good as new afterwards.
     
    Inderjit, Mar 31, 2023
    Inderjit, Mar 31, 2023
    #7
    Concorde and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  10. Mar 31, 2023 #8
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’m under a load that delivers in the morning. I agree something hit it. Needle nose pliers trick sound interesting. I tried a screw and rubber washer. No good. Can’t find my JB weld. Got a bunch of it somewhere. All different types. I’m 9 1/2 hrs from delivery, due in 121/2 hrs. I stuck some cat gut type sticky gkue off the back of some some sound deadening material. Put a plastic plate over it . Used zip ties. It quit. Took off and 4 miles and shut down. Came back only 1 gallon low. Quit leaking. I’m hesitant to Even touch it. Only have 4 jugs for water. Don’t want to cook the head/gasket. I need to drain it to use the JB. I’m in a bad spot. Better place at my destination. I’d rather run with it, putting a couple gallons every 1-2 hrs if needed. Get empty. Don’t reload till later on Sunday. I need to get home. Tip;: Never work on your Biirthday Lol. Couldn’t find any shrapnel from the alternator anywhere. I doubt that’s what did it. Took the belt off yesterday at 4:00 pm to avoid that. Something hit it, fan must have been engaged to cause that on the inside. Other spot looks damaged worse, but isnt leaking. Well it hasn’t shut off yet. It was barely leaking. Maybe had some air pockets. I’m going for it again. Get more gallon jugs ASAP.
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2023
    Rideandrepair, Mar 31, 2023
    Rideandrepair, Mar 31, 2023
    #8
    Hammer166 and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
  11. Mar 31, 2023 #9
    SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Marion Texas
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    If you now how to sweat copper pipe fittings then you can solder it. I’ve fixed one or two radiators and many old un-replaceable no aftermarket available heater cores that way.
    At least you didn’t damage a brand new rad like that by slipping a hand wrench while putting in the bolts on a flex fan in a ‘65 Pontiac GTO. Lol
     
    SmallPackage, Mar 31, 2023
    SmallPackage, Mar 31, 2023
    #9
    Hammer166, Rideandrepair, D.Tibbitt and 2 others Thank this.
  12. Mar 31, 2023 #10
    markk

    markk Medium Load Member

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    I just use a propane torch and acid core solder for plumbing.
    Drain it. Clean with alcohol . Wire brush. Pinch it off a bit if big. Heat up and hit with a little solder. Problem solved.
    Just fixed mine a few weeks ago.
    Also, a bit pricey these days but duraglass will stick. O'Reilly sells it under a few names. It is long strand fiberglass. In the Bondo section. Clean it good , dry it. Mix a little and shove it on. Drys fast if you do not use too much harder. Should be a ;ight blue after mixing or maybe pink if red hardner.
    I use it a lot for stuff. It don't come off. I used to be a body man.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2023
    markk, Mar 31, 2023
    markk, Mar 31, 2023
    #10
    Magoo1968, Rideandrepair and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
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