Rock in Radiator

[danwes]

Last trip out, some where in s.d. i took a rock to the lower part of the radiator, very small hole, only leaks under pressure. Inside next to fan, side radiator, spartan ch. 350 cummins. Has any one had any luck patching a leak like this? A LOT OF WORK TO PULL THE RADIATOR OUT TO FIX A SMALL HOLE. Your help please. Thanks in advance. Dan

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwes Last trip out, some where in s.d. i took a rock to the lower part of the radiator, very small hole, only leaks under pressure. Inside next to fan, side radiator, spartan ch. 350 cummins. Has any one had any luck patching a leak like this? A LOT OF WORK TO PULL THE RADIATOR OUT TO FIX A SMALL HOLE. Your help please. Thanks in advance. Dan

The same thing happened to me. I had a olds and fixed it with epoxy. You will have to drain and clean the radiator. Mine lasted ninety thousand miles and was still holding when i sold it. Make sure you push a little thru the hole to help it stick.

[danwes]

Thanks for the reply. What type of epoxy did you use? Would JB weld work? Thanks for the reply, have a nice day. Dan

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwes Last trip out, some where in s.d. i took a rock to the lower part of the radiator, very small hole, only leaks under pressure. Inside next to fan, side radiator, spartan ch. 350 cummins. Has any one had any luck patching a leak like this? A LOT OF WORK TO PULL THE RADIATOR OUT TO FIX A SMALL HOLE. Your help please. Thanks in advance. Dan

If I'm not mistaken, JB Weld makes an epoxy for metal. If your hole is very small you may have to enlarge it for the epoxy to be effective. As the other poster mentioned you need to push it in but not so much as to block the passage of coolant.

[edj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwes Last trip out, some where in s.d. i took a rock to the lower part of the radiator, very small hole, only leaks under pressure. Inside next to fan, side radiator, spartan ch. 350 cummins. Has any one had any luck patching a leak like this? A LOT OF WORK TO PULL THE RADIATOR OUT TO FIX A SMALL HOLE. Your help please. Thanks in advance. Dan

In my opinion, any fix is not going to be as strong/good as an undamaged radiator. For that reason, when I have a rock hit the radiator like you did, I replace the radiator with a new one. I don't want to risk the patch letting go when I am towing up a mountain on a hot day when I am way out in the boondocks.

[mccsix]

JB weld is worth a try it as an inexpensive fix...if it sticks. Surrounding surface prep is the key, it has to be dry, coolant/grease free, and roughed up a bit with sandpaper. If you drain the radiator, prep it, and put a little vacuum on it (to keep it from weeping under the JB) it should work.

[Iron Man]

Depending on the size of the hole you can put epoxy or JB weld on a brass screw and screw it into the hole and the put the epoxy or JB weld around the area. I have done this several times on automotive items with excellent results. The other options if it is metal to have the hole brazed or if plastic is epoxy or a new radiator. Brazing will most likely require removal of the radiator. Check on the price of a new radiator, it might help you with your decesion.

[AFChap]

Spartan had a number of rock in radiator issues in the early 2000's and so provided a "rock guard" at no cost for installation at owner expense. It is a simple steel diamond mesh bent to shape to cover the open area at the bottom. There were a couple of cut-outs for hoses that they put a rubber edge on. I know one guy who had to replace the radiator and the fan due to damage when a larger rock was kicked up into that space.

[stuhly]

JB Weld will work on alum or steel radiator. Secret is to get it very very clean and dry. Brake Klean or any cleaner that does not leave oily film.Let it dry for 24 hours.

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwes Thanks for the reply. What type of epoxy did you use? Would JB weld work? Thanks for the reply, have a nice day. Dan

I used JB weld. If this hole is as small as you say, i would not be afraid to try this fix. If it doesn't work you will just have a small leak and can find it before it does any real damage. My hole was as big as a drinking straw.