JB weld or solvent resistant epoxy

[prostreetC-10]

Got a killer deal on an aluminum radiator but it received some very minor damage during shipping. It's on the motor side and I'm thinking about just repairing it as apposed to going through the hassle of sending it back and all that is involved. I will be compensated for the inconvenience. There are a couple of very small tears in 2 coolant channels that can be reshaped with easy and sealed up. I have used JB for years and years but have recently been using epoxy on my carbs for sealing well caps and base ports. It's hard to go by the labels on a lot of this stuff because they say things like this:

Great for:
metal
wood
aluminum
plastic
toe nails
hair extensions
flat tires
broccoli and cauliflower
and on and on


Was just wondering if one might bond better to aluminum than the other. Thanks!

[Shane]

why not just take it to a radiator shop and have them weld it up. i'd trust a weld over epoxy any day.

[eagleuh1]

Get it aluminum brazed. DocsBlocks sells brazing rod just for radiators, air coolers ....I just bought a torch and rod kit to make up AC lines from them. Good luck with it however you go. I know JB weld works great. I used it to fix an aluminum block on a Troy built tiller in a high stress area( Carb mount) Its held for 7 years no problems. Its an aluminum block too. Jim

[cdowns]

a job worth doing is worth doing right

[68gmsee]

JB Weld is great but I still wouldn't trust it on a radiator except in an emergency or temporary basis. There's a lot of heat, moisture and pressure built up in a radiator which can accelerate the probablility of failure.

I've used it on exhaust manifolds and engine blocks but in this case, I'd trust a braze or weld before epoxy. Not saying it wouldn't hold, just prefer not to take the chance of getting stranded in the middle of a busy highway in 100 degree weather.

[eagleuh1]

Ahh, thats what AAA is for.

[1970 Bowtie]

I'm going to try some on broccoli and cauliflower.I'll get back to you on how it works out.

[brad_man_72]

solder?

[prostreetC-10]

Well maybe we need to switch gears here. I do have a full size torch with brazing tips. Am I missing and easy fix here? What would I need to do?

Side note: I did fix a nice hole in a trans pan caused by a rock I ran over with JB weld and it never failed.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

Ahh, thats what AAA is for.

For sure. However, it would still be a long wait while sitting in heavy traffic in cities like Houston or Austin with the temp at 105°. Also, I believe they will only tow to a shop???

[prostreetC-10]

Guess I should also clarify that this is in my Camaro test car for my Holley carbs that will see 10-15 min use at a time and ceratinly will not be on the road in an temps over about 85*. Will also not be more than 1/2 mile from my house. Not saying that is a good reason to half-a$$ though!