Radiator

[93Sierra]

For the past 2 years, my truck has leaked coolant. Not a large leak, but enough to annoy me. Every week or two the overfill tank would be dry. I had a shop check for leaks a year ago TWICE and this was a good shop my family has gone to for over 30 years. They found nothing. So, I kept adding coolant as needed, dad had a 50 gallon drum of it back then. It was getting to the point I was adding 1/2 gallon a month, lol. I found my leak today. Pissed me off, because it was right in front of my eyes the whole time. I was on the ferry today, and popped my hood to check the coolant level. Tank was at the normal level, which means it has leaked out around a quart. I noticed there was coolant sprayed all over the right side of the engine bay (battery side) and then I kept looking for the source. I looked at the radiator hoses, no leaks, and I looked on the radiator support panel, and there was a small pool of it. I looked at the radiator, and sure enough, there is a 3" crack in it. Not a bad one, but 3" long, or 3 "levels" deep. It looks like it was repaired (attempted at best) a long time ago. IS there any way to patch it, or, does this require replacement? I assume replacement is the only way, as it is plastic. Any help here? lol

[FaselZ71]

Well I had the same problem except mine was on the driver side. Charcoal canister side. Anyhow they sell this steel re enforced epoxy can't remember the name right now but walmart sells it for around $4. It's chemical resisant bonds to hard plastic and withstands up to 500 degrees and says it'll bond under water(********)!! Make sure you radiator area is dry and apply. Allow overnight setup and curing. It's temp fix but it'll last until your budget is ready. My lasted about 3-4 weeks before it started leaking again. Ebay has a large selection of radiators for all applications!!

[leolkfrm]

Get the proper j-b weld epoxy, sand it apply and let cure. I've had good luck with low pressure application like that, just make sure its the one for plastic!

[93Sierra]

Originally Posted by leolkfrm

Get the proper j-b weld epoxy, sand it apply and let cure. I've had good luck with low pressure application like that, just make sure its the one for plastic!

Sweet. Def. worth a shot

[bradrhale]

i have used quiksteel and jb weld. both do a great job. remember to clean the area well. you might want to take a little sanding paper to make a better surface to adhere to after cleaning the area up.

[leolkfrm]

Great minds think alike

[gmctrucks]

Go idea Fasel I know that the auto parts store has this two part putty that when you mash it mix it together and apply this thing it gets super hard one can even grind on it like my buddy said make sure it's dry and you might take some sand paper to it so it can bond on it better. Now to me I would replace mine since I travel in my truck or take it off and braze it.
Good luck! GMC

[bradrhale]

quiksteel advertises that it dries so strong that it can be drilled and tapped. i dont know if i would but i know it works really good. there is a couple of gas tanks still on the road with that stuff on them.

[leolkfrm]

Hey GMC just wondering how do you braze a Plastic tank? I've use the 2 part putty on steel gas tanks but like the JB for plastic stuff

[FaselZ71]

YUeah that's it quiksteel is the name of it!!! HAHA knew someone would know what I was talking about!!