AC radiator leak - is it fixable?

That can be fixed.

 

I would think solder would work.
But I'm not a plumber.

 

Its not worth it. It’s aluminun. You would have to eliminate the whole vain and weld each tube. I was going to have mine welded. It’s cracked on the tube. Probably cost $25 by my welder. Add travel time. Bought a brand new one yesterday $137 Radiator works Wyandotte Mi. They have distributors also in a few other states.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0000CBJGI

...but you'll waste more time and money fixing it than it would cost just to buy a new one.

 

remember, anytime you turn on the defroster, you are turning on the a/c.

you already have moisture in that entire system as it is now, that system will have to be "evacuated" (vacuumed) for a long time, before it can be recharged, or you'll get ice inside the system, and quit possibly blow out some sensitive valves or what is know as orifice tubes....

 

That's not a good idea. Air is non-condensible and will cause high head pressure and poor performance. And PAG oil is hygroscopic (soaks up moisture) which will form acids that will eventually eat up the metal in the system.

If you're going to charge your own system, go to HF and get a set of gauges and a vacumn pump.