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1/5/2014 4:30:49 AM EDT
I need a new radiator, but part is not available for 3 days.  I see a small crack in the radiator and I need to seal it so I can get to work for three or four days.  Is jb weld the best option for sealing the crack on a temp basis?  I am not going to use a stop leak product.

I plan to replace water pump, thermostat, radiator, and all hoses within a week so just a strong temporary solution.
1/5/2014 4:32:50 AM EDT
[#1]
Not jb weld

You need epoxy, the kind where you mix in 2 parts but not for metal.

If it's not too bad I would just top it off before and after work and carry extra coolent with Me.
1/5/2014 4:33:04 AM EDT
[#2]
Damn dude...takes a few days to ship a radiator to Somalia?



ETA: How far you gotta drive? A radiator repair shop (back when they used to repair radiators) once told me to leave the cap off and carry extra water with me. Stop every few miles and top off again until I could get it to the shop instead of towing it.
1/5/2014 4:34:16 AM EDT
[#3]
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Damn dude...takes a few days to ship a radiator to Somalia?
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The price We pay for freedom, nice beaches and full auto.
1/5/2014 4:34:54 AM EDT
[#4]
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Damn dude...takes a few days to ship a radiator to Somalia?
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Actually tribal leader is threading grass to make a new radiator.
1/5/2014 4:38:11 AM EDT
[#5]
JB Weld works great on cracked radiators.

Clean and degrease the area.  Mix JB Weld.  Put a blob on a piece of aluminhum foil.  Press into place, leave the foil on.

I have had repairs like this last several years.
1/5/2014 4:51:29 AM EDT
[#6]
Which jb weld should I go with
1/5/2014 4:52:22 AM EDT
[#7]
I have repaired two radiators with West Systems Epoxy ( the plastic end parts )
if a metal vane is leaking cut it and solder it closed
I have repaired a lot of things with this stuff- 0 failures
scuff up the surface for better adhesion

West Systems Epoxy is  far better than ANYTHING I have ever used
the shit works, check it out  http://www.westsystem.com/ss/
1/5/2014 4:54:42 AM EDT
[#8]
Use the appropriate JB weld and don't bother replacing the rad.
1/5/2014 4:57:09 AM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:
Which jb weld should I go with
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THe standard stuff works fine.  You have to be quick if you use the 5 minute stuff
1/5/2014 5:03:17 AM EDT
[#10]
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Quoted:
Use the appropriate JB weld and don't bother replacing the rad.
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Unless it cracked due to impact damage, the plastic (i'm assuming plastic tanks) has had it and will just fail again.
1/5/2014 5:08:06 AM EDT
[#11]
You need Stic-Tite, google it, you can buy it in a number of places. Epoxies won't bond and they won't hold up to the expansion/contraction due to heat.
1/5/2014 5:08:55 AM EDT
[#12]
I had a Subaru with cracked topped.  I used 2-part epoxy made for plastics and higher temp (bought at home depot).  I reinforced with dry fiberglass.  I got about 2 or 3 weeks out of it.  I put in a new one.
1/5/2014 5:20:47 AM EDT
[#13]
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Quoted:


THe standard stuff works fine.  You have to be quick if you use the 5 minute stuff
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Which jb weld should I go with


THe standard stuff works fine.  You have to be quick if you use the 5 minute stuff


I'd go with the " regular " JB Weld.  It adheres much more than the fast stuff... and is also much harder.

If your patch is upside down you could use " Water Weld " which is JB Weld putty.... knead it well and stuff it in.... this shit hardens as hard as regular JB.

Either way scuff the radiator with sandpaper and a pocket knife.  You may be GTG for several years.


1/5/2014 5:29:24 AM EDT
[#14]
cracked the tank or actual radiator?

1/5/2014 5:35:52 AM EDT
[#15]
It is on the side of the radiator, not the reservoir tank.
1/5/2014 5:44:02 AM EDT
[#16]
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It is on the side of the radiator, not the reservoir tank.
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That's the radiator tank.
1/5/2014 5:44:10 AM EDT
[#17]
I repaired the damaged fins of a radiator with bondo once.  Was planning on it being temporary, but it never leaked so I never replaced the radiator.
1/5/2014 5:53:14 AM EDT
[#18]
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That's the radiator tank.
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Quoted:
It is on the side of the radiator, not the reservoir tank.



That's the radiator tank.



Ahhhh.  I did not know that.  Thanks.
1/5/2014 6:27:16 AM EDT
[#19]
If it is on a solid surface like tank, use Waterweld.  If there is a leak in the core or fittings you cannot reach, use Bars Leak.
1/5/2014 7:10:32 AM EDT
[#20]
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Quoted:
If it is on a solid surface like tank, use Waterweld.  If there is a leak in the core or fittings you cannot reach, use Bars Leak.
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I was just reading about water weld.  Going to go get some now.  Thanks all.
1/5/2014 7:12:26 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not jb weld

You need epoxy, the kind where you mix in 2 parts but not for metal.

If it's not too bad I would just top it off before and after work and carry extra coolent with Me.
View Quote


That would be my route.  An epoxy is iffy at best when applied from outside, and putting it internal is just asking for bad news.