Don't call 1 800 Radiator if you think your radiator's leaking, stay calm and look into the problem; radiators can leak from various parts. You can spring a leak from a hose or the radiator itself. Make sure that you check all of the fittings that lead to the radiator as well. If the leak is coming from a plastic radiator, all is not lost; radiator repair is entirely possible. There are a few ways to repair a plastic radiator that is cracked. Put on some dirty clothes and roll up your sleeves, because it could get a little bit messy.
Go to your local auto parts store and purchase a tube of J-B Weld, as soon as you discover a leaking radiator. Give the store a call before you make the trip down there to avoid wasting your time. Get a large tube, just in case the crack is larger than you expected it to be. It is good to have more than you think you need.
Locate the leak and dry the area as much as possible before you begin any radiator repairs. Wipe it down with a shop rag, and examine how large the crack is. Once the area is dry use an extension cord to get a blow dryer on the crack. You need to make sure the area is dry.
Use a sharp tool to score the plastic near the crack. Be careful that you do not put so much pressure on it that you cause additional radiator problems, but enough pressure to make some gouges in the plastic. This will give the JB Weld something to grip onto other than slippery plastic. Make a few scratches in the plastic.
Get a piece of cardboard so you have a surface that can be thrown away after you mix the bonding agent on it. Whether you use J-B Weld or another type of bonding epoxy is up to you. Mix the chemical with a stick or plastic fork.
Apply the chemical generously to the area of the radiator leak. If you can, squeeze the gap together and make sure that you have applied the chemical to the inside of the crack. Once you have covered the open crack, make sure that you cover up the crack and any gaps or exposed cracks. Once you have applied this chemical, it helps to use your blow dryer again. It will harden rather quickly if you keep the heat directly on it for a minute or two. If you need to put more on after this go right ahead.
