radiator trouble

Post by **mankymusic** » 31 Jul 2006, 22:29

so, i replaced my radiator fan thermo switch but i think i overtightened it and now i've got a tiny leak.
i've patched it with evo "hard and fast" steel epoxy,what are my chances of this holding?
i'm supposed to be going to swtzerland in my van in 11 days,should i just get a new rad quick and be done with?
cheers

Post by **R0B** » 31 Jul 2006, 22:34

considering the pressure of the water system.i wouldnt trust any patching up.go for a new rad....

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 01 Aug 2006, 05:50

I agree. The potential high temperatures (and pressures) in the cooling system are beyond any man-made pudding mixes I know of. If budget is tight find a second hand radiator.

Post by **ermie571** » 01 Aug 2006, 07:20

Hi folks,

I have had success with J B Weld from Hal****ds - Overtightened bleed screw resulted in crack in the metal (?) immediately below it. Needing the van immediately, we thought that we would see what we could get. The JB weld went on a couple of months ago - since then she has done Cornwall (and got stuck in traffic) and several belts up and down motorways at a constant 65.

I am NOT suggesting that this is a permanent fix - I am just letting folks know that I have had success with a certain product, which may help others in a tight situation. The only word of caution is use it as per the instructions, and give it the overnight drying time. Oh, and the stuff goes along way....we have now used it in all sorts of places....

Hope this helps someone

Emma

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 01 Aug 2006, 09:50

http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php

They claim it withstands temperatures up to 500Ã‚Â° - should be ok if it holds.

Worth trying if it does what it claims to do.

Post by **HarryMann** » 01 Aug 2006, 10:04

Just fixed my sump plug with it, but then I've got AA relay too

- think its a 50/50 chance in that environment (hot and oily), but always spoken of highly, even fixing cylinder heads. Must be completeely grease free and surfaces roughed up a bit... not quite as good as they advertise, can stay a bit plasticky fro a long time, mix up accuractely read instructions carefully, was Wiki'd quite a while ago as a handy tip and trick.

Post by **Arvi** » 01 Aug 2006, 10:35

is PTFE tape suitable for this type of problem?

we run a dry cleaners and use load of high presure steam machines and pipes under presure we use this tape to ensure a gas tight fit which can cope with the heat

van radiator should be no probs

Post by **mankymusic** » 01 Aug 2006, 15:14

Thanks to all for the advice,

due to the short timescale involved I think I'll get myself a tube of the jb weld and rely on my justkampers insurance breakdown cover, thats what I've paid for after all.

I'm not sure what the temp rating of the evo-stick hard and fast stuff is, what kind of temps could I expect on the rad?

Post by **mankymusic** » 02 Aug 2006, 07:47

OK, I've done some homework and found out that the evo stuff I've used is good to 150deg, any good or should I get it off (somehow) and replace is with the jb weld?

Post by **ally** » 02 Aug 2006, 08:00

i think i may have done the same thing

i put on a smaller washer for a tighter fit, its not leaking even tho i've threaded it a small amount.

Keep your eye on that temp gauge!

Post by **HarryMann** » 02 Aug 2006, 10:38

Temps... steam under a bit of pressure? 120C ? Pre guess, but JB weld is fine, its the wet and hot together maybe, but if you let it cure for 12 hours dry then warm it somehow gently (sun or hot air gun, low setting and well away from it) it should be as strong as a strong thing. Mix the JB weld accurately 50/50 and thoroughly. Degrease parts well first, read instructions.