CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

novajess1972 · 12-14-2006, 10:33 AM

Must have punctured my radiator either removing it or reinstalling it after engine swap

I hear there is something off the shelf, maybe at the parts store that can be added to the coolant that may seal the leak??? It looks to be a small puncture in the core, not the tank of the radiator. I see the green coolant trickling down.

Can anyone tell me what works???

Thanks

Jesse

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 12-14-2006, 10:37 AM

There's lots of stuf that will work at any auto parts store BUT your best bet is to take it to your local Rad shop and have it repaired right. The stuff you add to your coolant plugs more than the hole in my opinion

**truckdude239** · 12-14-2006, 10:46 AM

i used that stuff to stop a major leak i had in my ford f150 stoped the leak also stopped my thermostat up. you could also check out radiator.com they have good prices

centsless · 12-14-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

There's lots of stuf that will work at any auto parts store BUT your best bet is to take it to your local Rad shop and have it repaired right. The stuff you add to your coolant plugs more than the hole in my opinion

The additives are meant for temporary fixes to get you off the highway. I see a lot of heater cores plugged from using them. I would repair/replace the radiator, it will be cheaper in the long run.

grayw0lf · 12-14-2006, 10:56 AM

I'll never use any type of stop leak again.

If you can solder copper pipes & have some time to spare, you can fix it that way. I'm not a plumber by any means, but I fixed multiple holes in my S-10 successfully.

All I did was locate the leak, burn it clean with a propane torch, load it with flux, & drop solder on, keeping it hot until the solder draws in.

You can block off the outlets & pressure test it with a garden hose or air compressor (pressure turned way down).

But if you got the $$$ to spare & plan on keeping the truck for years, a radiator shop is probably stil your best bet.

70c10 · 12-14-2006, 11:21 AM

My radiator started leaking a few weeks ago in my Blazer but it's plastic.

novajess1972 · 12-14-2006, 11:26 AM

I have a 4 row radiator, and I do plan on keeping it long term (as long as we have enough extra money for the new house). And the last thing I want is for the new motor to overheat

I guess I will stop being lazy and take it to my radiator repair guy. He is actually very reasonable. I just hated having to remove the radiator when I just put in back in last weekend

Thanks guys!

jesse

ridge runner · 12-14-2006, 12:05 PM

If your looking for a temp. fix throw a handful of pepper in the radiator. Thats what I did last time I had my 69 running... well before it caught on fire anyway. If that doesn't work try oatmeal.

P.S. the fire wasn't caused by the pepper. lol

novajess1972 · 12-14-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridge runner

If your looking for a temp. fix throw a handful of pepper in the radiator. Thats what I did last time I had my 69 running... well before it caught on fire anyway. If that doesn't work try oatmeal.

P.S. the fire wasn't caused by the pepper. lol

Ridge, I'm trying to repair it, not give it indigestion

Jesse

Aarons72s · 12-14-2006, 03:42 PM

Hay jesse, if you can spare the money go to oreillys, they sell new 4 row radiators for our trucks. I bought one 3 years back, real nice no problems. If I remeber right it was around 200 bucks new. here is a linky if you want to check on one.
www.oreillyauto.com

novajess1972 · 12-14-2006, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarons72s

Hay jesse, if you can spare the money go to oreillys, they sell new 4 row radiators for our trucks. I bought one 3 years back, real nice no problems. If I remeber right it was around 200 bucks new. here is a linky if you want to check on one.
www.oreillyauto.com

That's just it, Aarons72. This radiator is in excellent condition. It was obviously due to my onw negligence either pulling it out or putting it back in, because it wasn't leaking one bit before I took it out.

I will just have it repaired...

Thanks dude!

Jesse

Aarons72s · 12-14-2006, 04:29 PM

Cool jesse. If its minor go for it. I would have tried on mine but the tanks were rotting off of it. Good luck.
Aaron

Rod · 12-15-2006, 12:31 AM

In a pinch the only thing that works for me is Bars-Leak.

novajess1972 · 12-15-2006, 12:46 PM

Just got her fixed up today!!! I must be in the wrong business. I just paid my radiator guy $25 for 10 minutes work

Jesse

12-14-2006, 10:33 AM	#1
novajess1972 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 190	CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? Must have punctured my radiator either removing it or reinstalling it after engine swap I hear there is something off the shelf, maybe at the parts store that can be added to the coolant that may seal the leak??? It looks to be a small puncture in the core, not the tank of the radiator. I see the green coolant trickling down. Can anyone tell me what works??? Thanks Jesse __________________ 1985 SWB Silverado 1/2 Ton 1972 Chevy SWB 1/2 Ton (sold) 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS (sold) 1971 Chevy Nova (sold) 1967 Chevy El Camino (sold) 2001 Mustang Bullitt (sold) 2019 Toyota Tundra Crewmax (daily) Last edited by novajess1972; 12-14-2006 at 10:33 AM.

12-14-2006, 10:37 AM	#2
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,193	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? There's lots of stuf that will work at any auto parts store BUT your best bet is to take it to your local Rad shop and have it repaired right. The stuff you add to your coolant plugs more than the hole in my opinion __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

12-14-2006, 10:46 AM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? i used that stuff to stop a major leak i had in my ford f150 stoped the leak also stopped my thermostat up. you could also check out radiator.com they have good prices __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 12-14-2006 at 10:48 AM.

12-14-2006, 10:56 AM	#5
grayw0lf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Clanton, AL Posts: 1,253	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? I'll never use any type of stop leak again. If you can solder copper pipes & have some time to spare, you can fix it that way. I'm not a plumber by any means, but I fixed multiple holes in my S-10 successfully. All I did was locate the leak, burn it clean with a propane torch, load it with flux, & drop solder on, keeping it hot until the solder draws in. You can block off the outlets & pressure test it with a garden hose or air compressor (pressure turned way down). But if you got the $$$ to spare & plan on keeping the truck for years, a radiator shop is probably stil your best bet. __________________ 85' CUCV M1009!!! The newest addition! 6.2diesel, Th400, NP208, & only 36k miles! 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside - Looking good these days! 05' Dodge Neon 88' Winner Escape Sport 1750 - 4.3v6 94' Seadoo SP 84' Honda TRX200, bare nekkid. Just a frame & tires. Always looking for another project or any good deal!

12-14-2006, 11:21 AM	#6
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? My radiator started leaking a few weeks ago in my Blazer but it's plastic. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

12-14-2006, 11:26 AM	#7
novajess1972 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 190	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? I have a 4 row radiator, and I do plan on keeping it long term (as long as we have enough extra money for the new house). And the last thing I want is for the new motor to overheat I guess I will stop being lazy and take it to my radiator repair guy. He is actually very reasonable. I just hated having to remove the radiator when I just put in back in last weekend Thanks guys! jesse __________________ 1985 SWB Silverado 1/2 Ton 1972 Chevy SWB 1/2 Ton (sold) 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS (sold) 1971 Chevy Nova (sold) 1967 Chevy El Camino (sold) 2001 Mustang Bullitt (sold) 2019 Toyota Tundra Crewmax (daily)

12-14-2006, 12:05 PM	#8
ridge runner Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? If your looking for a temp. fix throw a handful of pepper in the radiator. Thats what I did last time I had my 69 running... well before it caught on fire anyway. If that doesn't work try oatmeal. P.S. the fire wasn't caused by the pepper. lol

12-14-2006, 03:42 PM	#10
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? Hay jesse, if you can spare the money go to oreillys, they sell new 4 row radiators for our trucks. I bought one 3 years back, real nice no problems. If I remeber right it was around 200 bucks new. here is a linky if you want to check on one. www.oreillyauto.com

12-14-2006, 04:29 PM	#12
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? Cool jesse. If its minor go for it. I would have tried on mine but the tanks were rotting off of it. Good luck. Aaron

12-15-2006, 12:31 AM	#13
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? In a pinch the only thing that works for me is Bars-Leak. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

12-15-2006, 12:46 PM	#14
novajess1972 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 190	Re: CRUD!!! Radiator leak repair????? Just got her fixed up today!!! I must be in the wrong business. I just paid my radiator guy $25 for 10 minutes work Jesse __________________ 1985 SWB Silverado 1/2 Ton 1972 Chevy SWB 1/2 Ton (sold) 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS (sold) 1971 Chevy Nova (sold) 1967 Chevy El Camino (sold) 2001 Mustang Bullitt (sold) 2019 Toyota Tundra Crewmax (daily)



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