Any good fixes for a leaking radiator? It leaks around the seam where the upper tank is sealed to the side. The area is about a half inch long, seem like the lip got bent a little.
From what I've heard brazing is a tough thing to learn, if at all possible I'd rather try fixing it myself first before resorting to paying a shop. Would sweat soldering work?
Take it to a shop. Once it's repaired they can "Pressure test" it to make sure you don't have any other leaks.
Braze or bubble gum. I've got it, thanks... I'd really rather fix it myself for the time being untill I can get a new radiator. I've talked to a few guys that said being able to braze a radiator properly isn't something you just decide to learn on a weekend, maybe they were right or maybe they were wrong. I'm just looking hear what you guys have tried.
Yes solder it. Like you said, 'sweat solder' it like copper plumbing. That's exactly what a rad shop will do. You can regulate your air pressure to like 20psi and just use some rags to block the hose outlets. Easy repair...for me anyways.
TUMBLER...you did't say if it's brass or aluminum. but BELIEVE me you can ruin that radiator very easy. in this case take it to a pro. pay $20.00 now or $200.00 later...POP.
If it's a brass/copper radiator joint, now is your chance to learn a little about soldering a radiator. Clean the area good with brass wire brush and muratic acid. Rinse. Smear some flux on the area. Play heat from torch flame on the flux until it melts. Heat the area slowly until the solder that's already there starts to flow, pull back a little with the torch and touch the new solder to the area, while playing the torch back and forth. When the new solder starts to flow remove the heat immediately. 4 Most times, "that's it!" (a term made famous by Janis Joplin at the end of her rendition of LORD WON'T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ) If at first you don't succeed,,,,,,,,,,,
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