Small hole in radiator, now what?

[TelisSE440]

Hello guys, i have an aluminum BeCool radiator cooling my 440 Challenger. I noticed yesterday a small hole that is leaking coolant, ultimately creating a puddle and also going through the radiator grille causing steam. The hole is in a difficult spot next to the radiator input. I was wondering if i could use something like Permatex Cold Weld or if an experienced welder should fit the wire inside and weld the hole shut.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Someone with enough experience would likely grind down what you see to get access to it with the torch, if you really wanted to make sure it was welded. Then backfill the grind with new material again. It's possible.

Honestly, something like JB weld here would likely work well for a very long time. We used it to seal pinholes in a fabricated aluminum fuel tank four years ago and it hasn't budged. Also, we pressure tested it to 30psi...

[Brads70]

Tough one to weld as you don't know how thin/corroded it is behind, the core itself has the hole not where it was welded to the tank.Rotten luck.  I'd be tempted to find a really small stainless set screw , fine thread,   and tap it and screw it in with some JB weld.Or maybe a small ( if they exist?) self tapping screw, again with JB weld as a thread sealer. I've tried epoxy on my aluminum rad and it was a no go as aluminum  grows and contracts more than brass/copper.

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes tricky spot. If you apply heat to aluminum it telegraphs and will probably do more damage so I think Brad's fix is about the best thing to try.

[Bullitt-]

I've seen something like this used to repair refrigeration coils, much higher pressure, so I would think it would work for you.



https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/mastercool-by-adobe-air-alum-bond-a-c-repair-epoxy-2-oz-pack-msc90934/10634765-P

[anlauto]

I would try fixing it from the inside using one of those liquid coolant sealers you add to the rad

[HP2]

Tubes are typically soldered into place because of the thin walled material they are constructed  of. Welding is reserved for thicker parts like tanks and mounts.

You could try removing the unit, cleaning thoroughly, warming the joint with a map gas torch, and soldering it shut.

Or take it to a local radiator shop that would do the same.

[TelisSE440]

Thanks for the answers guys, i'm leaning towards the epoxy weld method, will try it and tell the results...

[hanksemenec]

https://www.muggyweld.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIloLgv_2B3wIVhB-tBh0TVQd3EAAYASAAEgJSdvD_BwE I have done the pot metal repair, have not tried his aluminum.

[hanksemenec]

https://www.muggyweld.com/video/punctured-aluminum-radiator-repair/ here is rad repair with alloy 1.

[anlauto]

I would go the easy route first ...

[hanksemenec]

Old timers chime in. I have pulled heads off engines after coolant sealer additive was put in the system. The cooling galleries at the head gasket were almost plugged. Please stop using that crud, just fix the problem.

[JS29]

Old timers chime in. I have pulled heads off engines after coolant sealer additive was put in the system. The cooling galleries at the head gasket were almost plugged. Please stop using that crud, just fix the problem.

  @hanksemenec from central New York!

[Brads70]

https://www.muggyweld.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIloLgv_2B3wIVhB-tBh0TVQd3EAAYASAAEgJSdvD_BwE I have done the pot metal repair, have not tried his aluminum.

I've seen that demonstrated, being sold at various car shows .Usually the guy is welding/soldering to aluminum pop cans together. No experience with it but worth a try if you could get your hands on some of those rods .
Just don't pressure test the repair to 20,000 psi like he said in the video. LOL 20 -30 psi would be good, 20,000 not so much! 

[Cudakiller70]

https://www.muggyweld.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIloLgv_2B3wIVhB-tBh0TVQd3EAAYASAAEgJSdvD_BwE I have done the pot metal repair, have not tried his aluminum.

Pretty neat definitely worth a try.