Repairing a radiator hole is much less expensive than replacing the radiator. Before hauling your leaky truck in to the mechanic, consider repairing the hole yourself. Permatex Quick Solder Radiator Repair is an epoxy repair material that can seal radiator holes as large as 1 inch. This two-part epoxy effectively repairs radiator holes in trucks, cars and even farm equipment. Permatex Quick Solder Radiator Repair is quick and easy to use, and that means less down time for both you and your vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool and remove the radiator cap. Perform the repair in an area with temperatures above 40 degrees F. Drain the radiator, if needed, to lower the water level below the hole. The hole needs to be dry before applying the epoxy.
Clean around the hole with Permatex Brake & Parts Cleaner. Wipe off the cleaner with a rag. Wash your hands thoroughly with hand cleaner. Contaminants on your hands will transfer to the epoxy and render it less effective when performing the next step.
Cut enough length of the epoxy stick to fill the hole and extend an additional ½ inch around the hole. Use your fingers to knead the epoxy stick until the green and beige portions have mixed to create a uniform color and consistency.
Shape the mixed epoxy into a cone. Insert the pointed end into the radiator hole and flatten out the wider end of the cone around the hole.
Use your fingers to seal the edges of the epoxy patch firmly to the radiator surface. Wash your hands with hand cleaner to remove any epoxy residue.
Wait two hours before filling the radiator with water and using the vehicle.
Use your fingers to flatten the mixed epoxy until it is large enough to extend 1/2 inch around the hole on all sides. Center the epoxy patch over the hole and use your fingers to seal the edges of the epoxy patch firmly to the radiator surface. Wash your hands with hand cleaner to remove any epoxy residue.
Wait 24 hours for the epoxy patch to cure. Cut off another section of the epoxy stick, enough to cover the patch and extend an additional ¼ inch around the hole, then knead it until it is a uniform color and consistency.
Flatten the mixed epoxy until it is large enough to cover the existing patch plus ¼ inch. Center the mixed epoxy over the existing patch and use your fingers to push the edges of the mixed epoxy onto the radiator surface to form a seal. Wash your hands with hand cleaner to remove any epoxy residue.
Wait four hours before filling the radiator with water and using the vehicle.
