Auto Parts: radiators, bicycle inner tube, radiator leaks


Question
  Is there a way to find and fix a leak in a radiator? The water drip-drip-drips from the bottom of one side. I'm sure it runs down a little from somewhere before it drips off. It's about one drip per second. The radiator is already off the engine. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ray,

Radiator leaks, if in the cores or tank (if copper), need to be soldered to repair. If it is in the plastic tank, it cannot be repaired. To test for a leak, get an old bicycle inner-tube and cut it in half. Attache one end to the upper radiator hose mount and the other to the lower with the fill valve somewhere in between. Fill the radiator with water and then add about 4 PSI of air pressure and observe where the radiator is leaking from. Mark the location and empty the radiator. You should use 80% or 90% lead solder for the repair and don't use a soldering gun, you'll need fire for this job.

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php