It's just a small crack so I was thinking maybe I could weld it back together or weld a piece of small metal over it some how with one of those cold heat solders what do you all think?
2007-08-15 09:50:50 · 8 answers · asked by amunefuset 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I've seen cold solder slopped on radiators and always ended up being a failure. Older cars used brass which is able to be soldered but the core on most new cars is made from aluminum with a plastic tank top and bottom. They're sealed with a big O ring, but trying to take them apart usually results in broken metal tabs which prevents them from sealing tightly again. Since aluminum radiators can't be fixed, there's plenty of Chinese made radiators for $100-$150 that will provide decent service.
For the time being, you can loosen the radiator cap to the first notch....this will reduce all pressure in the radiator and often stops the leak, but it also lowers the boiling point and the radiator may boil over.
2007-08-15 10:04:02 · answer #1 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a copper or aluminum radiator you can probably hot solder it. Just get it real clean and empty first. Or you could take it to a shop and have it done cheaply. If it's a corrosion hole you're only wasting time. It's a great feeling to have a fresh radiator in your ride and not have to worry. There's a shop near me that will re-core a radiator for $100 if you take it in. It's cheaper to have it patched but they won't patch an old corroded one because it never lasts. We use epoxy for temporary punctures on our motorcycle radiators but I wouldn't start a ride with an epoxied radiator. I'd get it fixed right first. I think the cold heat solder you are talking about is similar to a metalic epoxy that the other guy mentioned.
I read "Young"s comment: brass (as in braze) has a higher melting point than aluminum or copper so you'll melt your core if you try to braze it.
2007-08-15 09:59:20 · answer #2 · answered by Jimbob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
My question is it safe to solder a radiator and if so how should it be done?
It's just a small crack so I was thinking maybe I could weld it back together or weld a piece of small metal over it some how with one of those cold heat solders what do you all think?
2015-08-14 08:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first, make sure it's metal and not plastic.
you will not be able to solder the radiator with the cold solder gun. that's for small projects. to solder you need to bring BOTH pieces of metal to the same temperature, AND not get them so hot that you destroy other solder joints. no offense, but from your question you, probably, don't have the skill level to do this job. If you want to try you need to do/have the following:
1. a torch (propane will probably work-if not you can use a MAPP bottle with your propane since it gets hotter
2. solder
3. put a wet rag over the rest of the radiator to prevent it from getting too hot
4. bring both pieces of metal (the radiator and the piece you're using for the patch) to the same temperature-that temperature being hot enough to melt the solder. you may find you need to secure the patch with screws to insure it forms to the radiator
5. pressure test the radiator-this is a very important part cause (1) the solder joint may have a leak and (2) this is the only way to confirm there are no other holes/leaks in the system.
2007-08-15 10:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's more than likely soldered in the first place! BTW you can't do it with a soldering iron or gun! Have to use a torch and really know what you're doing! Not for the inexperienced!
2016-03-13 20:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do that; if you can see the hole, use an epoxy filler.
Epoxy filler is more likely to be foolproof if your solder skill are not up to par. You are less likely to burn through the radiator or have "cold" solder joints.
2007-08-15 09:59:02 · answer #6 · answered by Albert F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, someone experienced in radiator repair could do it. I wouldn't suggest you try it because you might do more harm than good.
2007-08-15 10:30:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its safe as long as your careful not to start any surrounding parts on fire. I think brazing would work better though. You will need an oxy-acetylene torch outfit for that.
good luck!
2007-08-15 10:00:10 · answer #8 · answered by Young 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it should be fixable, let the radiator shop do it
2007-08-15 10:02:05 · answer #9 · answered by Radar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋