Hole in Radiator

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

  1. markk

    markk Medium Load Member

    566
    196
    Nov 14, 2011
    0
    I just noticed you are in a hurry . Hit the hardware store for solder and either buy a torch or just get one of them little torches that use lighter butane they sell in smoke shops etc.. buy some rubbing alcohol or spray electronic cleaner. Drain down and clean it . Should work fine
     
    D.Tibbitt and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

    4,349
    15,460
    Jun 29, 2016
    West Melbourne Florida
    0
    Needs a screen that’s for sure.

    Just want to add for @Rideandrepair
    Make sure if you add a screen that it doesn’t rub on the radiator or if you have a AC condenser.

    I’ve had the screen rub a hole in 3 condensers and it always happens on the hottest days of the summer!
     
  4. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

    4,418
    6,432
    Aug 26, 2014
    0
    I took an aluminum - plastic P/U radiator to a professional radiator shop. Do not know what they did to prep the tube but they sealed it with an electric glue gun.
    Have used duct tape on both sides and filled a small core area front to back with JB weld. That worked but it had over night to cure.
     
    D.Tibbitt and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,225
    55,910
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    I have everything but the solder . I have electronic silver solder. I think this radiator isn’t aluminum. It’s the upgraded brass? Copper? Whatever. I wonder if I’ll need flux. I can solder copper pipes pretty good. Seems like brazing would be better? I’ve never brazed. I have a map torch. I’m rollin. 80 miles, so far
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2023
    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
  6. FLHT

    FLHT Road Train Member

    1,330
    2,262
    Aug 2, 2014
    0
    Aluma Seal dump it in fill and fly.
    Flush when you get back home
    Bars Leak at any auto parts store.
    Nasty stuff to get out of your system too.
    IF I were to use this and did not need the heater I would shut off valves to heater front and back.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  7. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

    2,915
    7,846
    Jan 2, 2012
    NW, Iowa
    0
    I took a rock to radiator back in 05. Pinched it shut and JB weld plus some stop leak crap which I wouldn't use again ever fyi. Still holding tight today
     
  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,225
    55,910
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    I have a screen. This is on the inside, close to the shroud. Strange how things can chafe sometimes. Like a rubber hose damaging aluminum.
     
  9. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    17,225
    55,910
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    1/2 gallon low after 100 miles. Might just make it. 550 miles to go. One more hour this Birthday’s over. Thank God it only happens once a year Lol. I’ve been very Lucky despite everything. Finished before it rained, been storming on and off. Every time I had to pop the hood it had quit raining. Could always be worse. Missing my appointment tomorrow will be a disaster. Going to Walmart. Guess I’ll try to solder it tomorrow. Thanks everyone, it’s appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2023
    D.Tibbitt, JoeyJunk, Hammer166 and 2 others Thank this.
  10. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

    4,418
    6,432
    Aug 26, 2014
    0
    Trying to braze that is a very bad idea! More flux never hurts. Heat the area and scrub it in after you thank it is clean enough. A little brass brush is good. If it is cool enough you could use your wifes tooth brush. You would probably be better off with a little butane torch like the one I purchased from Matco. I use it for heat shrinks and such.
    Electrical solder is a bad idea. It tends to be softer as a 60 / 40. 60 % tin and 40 % lead. For a radiator you are better off with something like a 40 /60. You are out on the road. I hate stop leak but if I were in your shoes I would pinch the tubes, stop leak, cap loose and get home. Practice radiator repair at home.
     
  11. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

    7,568
    45,898
    Mar 15, 2021
    0
    Happy Birthday..
    As mentioned Aluima seal at any auto parts store Is temporary fix to get ya home or fixed properly
    Pepper will also work
     
    Rideandrepair and JoeyJunk Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.