Does anyone repair aluminum radiators?

[Billccm]

Hello All:

I have a Champion aluminum radiator which has sprung a minute pin hole leak near the front center. Small area that gets wet and discolored about the diameter of a dime.

Not many radiator shops left around Tucson, but I will call on Monday.

Any suggestions is appreciated.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Find a VERY GOOD welder if it's a tank.

 

[Billccm]

It's definitely a seep in the core.

 

[Photon440]

I've used aluminum solder in the past, not on a radiator but on the aluminum tubing for air conditioning. A lot of farmers are familiar with aluminum solder for repairing their irrigation pipes. It did the job. But aluminum brazing is often used as well, I just haven't tried it. https://www.amazon.com/Cored-Alumin...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01MSDASKQ

Having said that, I'm tempted to get some of this special plastic repair material that is made for aluminum rads: https://www.amazon.com/Stic-tite-Al...091484&sr=8-2&keywords=Radiator+Repair+Solder

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Throw a bag of Silver solder stop leak and shut that **** up!!

 

[Billccm]

Here's a photo

 

[Cranky]

Looks bigger than a dime sized leak to me. Look around and see what radiator shops are near you. They are still out there but not like they were 20 years ago.....

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Any of this stuff should be fine

be fine

 

[Billccm]

Looks bigger than a dime sized leak to me.

It soaks downward after sitting. When running it is just a small wet area.

 

[Billccm]

I'll tell you one thing. I'm not replacing with another Champion radiator. I know they have a stellar reputation, but according to the paper trail this radiator was purchased in 2006. I've emailed Champion asking about shrouds and get very little help other than 'get an electric fan kit from us'.

Looking at Summit racing. They have their own brand radiator. Any comments?

Fellow motorhead claims that one radiator shop in Tucson might be of help. I'll pull the radiator off tomorrow and see what they say on Monday. I may just power wash it and try AlumBOND from Mastercool. Friend of mine who races midget cars claims it works.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...PIoXyFJWiqRq3rlgNzhoCAGkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Billccm]

Any comments?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-384022

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Have you been reading/listening?? I recently installed a $200 Afco aluminum radiator and used me old junkyard sourced dual fan set up and one of the plastic fans CENTRIFICALLY exploded dinging the rad support from underneath and putting a pinhole in my new rad.Maybe the 140 MPH wind had something to do with it.ANYWAY,some radiator stop leak and now dry as a bone!

 

[Billccm]

I took the radiator to a shop that repairs mining vehicles radiators and diesel particulatics filters. They said easy to fix and cash price is $60.
I figure it's worth a shot for that amount. Should get it back Thursday.

 

[Billccm]

The radiator shop called and they cannot find the leak. Even steam cleaned the radiator and pressurized to 30 psi and can't get it to leak.
He agrees that there is evidence of a leak, but says he won't fix it if he can't find the leak.
Ordering a new radiator.

 

[oldbee]

Have had good luck with a 26” Mishimoto from Summit.

 

[Billccm]

Well, just to close this thread with updates. The radiator shop guys were just so nice. They pressure tested the radiator three times, said no leaks, painted it, and gave it back to me 'no charge and no gaurentee'.

I went ahead and ordered a speedcooling 26 inch and a MOPAR performance shroud.

Thanks for all of the replies.