Hole in Radiator

I ran another 150 miles and it shut down. Right before the rest area! Rain had just stopped. It was leaking bad . The zip ties had stretched from heat. I was worried about the sticky stuff not holding up to heat. Tightened the zip ties. Added another piece,over everything rolled up, and another 3 small zip ties. I can’t believe it worked. Added 3,5 gallons of water. Usually shuts down when only a gallon low. Not sure what’s up with that. Started raining. Ran another 200 miles. Got fuel, added 1/2 gallon. Ran another 200, miles and made my appointment. Still hasn’t leaked. Can’t believe I made it. Rained on and off all the way. Tornado warnings. Kept rolling through 20 Miles of dangerous weather. 4 ways, bright lights, and watching the zipper. Heavy rain, then it just completely stopped. Crazy weather. It’s all across from north to south. Wife kept warning me, Lol. Good thing I was heavy. 40 mpg gusts. Quick short gusts. Hammered down. I prayed from the time I worked on it, till I got here. Non stop. Lol. It worked. Looked like my Luck had ran out. Not yet!!! When I first saw the leak, I started adding. $500 towing. $2000, 3 day wait for radiator. $1600 Labor. $3600 lost revenue. If I can solder it. That’s great. Got till 5:00 pm tomorrow to get it done. I’m tempted to leave it be, not sure it will hold another 1150 miles home though.

 

One more thing. I left my cap loose. I couldn’t find my old cap. It has the big rubber gasket missing, from when I was running it before the inframe. I considered taking the gasket of the new one. I look at it. Realize it’s the old cap. Never put the new one on. That explains why I’ve been pushing a tiny amount from the overflow. Never had pressure. Couldn’t figure it out. Lol. So now I’m looking for the new cap. I’m happy anyways, thought I might have had a problem developing.

 

I agree. The one disadvantage is my parking space doesn’t have water or electricity. And the weathers still cold. Where I’m at there’s a fuel stop that has plenty water available. Also TruckPro across the street. They don’t care if I work on the Truck. The other option is the TA, with Freightliner next door. I get nervous doing a job while under a Load, unless it’s necessary. Always try to be near parts. The weekends always a challenge, especially down south. At this point I don’t have anything to lose. Worst case is cancelling tomorrow’s Load. If I don’t fix it better, might not make the delivery. Can’t handle that stress again. I need to get that Lead solder, and some flux. I guess Lowe’s? I have Harbor Freight, everything around here.

 

I know. I like the keep the old one, no seal. Impossible to build pressure. Still running it loose.