cracked radiator

[tickedoff36]

i stupidly cracked my radiator and was wondering if JB WELD would hold or is there too much pressure? i put a hairline crack on top next to the shroud mount. i was lifting the engine and forgot to pull fan AND shroud off. OOPS!!

[RT]

Doh!

JB Weld might hold for a day or two, but it will never make it long term. Too much expansion and contraction. New radiators aren't that bad - Spectra makes a nice one.

SPECTRA PREMIUM / COOLING DEPOT Part # CU2171 is $141 at RockAuto

[tickedoff36]

problem IS no job-no money and if i did replace i would try for an ALL metal one. i might try to find someone to weld it for me. i only know of one guy and he is 300+ miles away and is likley snowed in.

[big_blue]

i jb welded my wife's explorer radiator in the summer and it's still just fine. i say try it, you ain't got nothin to lose.

worst case you wind up replacing it.

[tickedoff36]

i was going to try anyway. like you said -nothing to lose- i also would like to know if there is a seal between the top of the tranny and the shift plate. where the stick bolts to the top (6 bolts)??

[rock_doctor]

Junk yard.

[tickedoff36]

what do you mean junk yard - nothing is cracked just want to know if that cover has a seal on it if not RTV'ing it.

[badbart]

I think he was referring to your radiator.

[tickedoff36]

i do NOT do junk yard unless i absolutly have to. have had too many bad things from junk yards. good luck a few times. i will just JB it in the meantime. something like rad and moving parts i prefer new. no yards around here any way, closest is 80 miles.

[rock_doctor]

Originally Posted by badbart

I think he was referring to your radiator.

Yep i shortened the post too much (thanks badbart)...i always forget people can't hear the voices in my head... You may be able to get a good whole rad or at least a replacement tank from a bone yard.

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

They will pull it and ship it to you. I have used Marine Tex in the past for everything from cracks in engine blocks to screw holes in boat hulls. I swear by the stuff. It is about the same idea as JB weld. Scuff up the area with sand paper and marine tex or JB it... Good luck.

[tickedoff36]

it is only a hairline so scuff and JB

[rock_doctor]

If all it is, is a fine crack that weeps when at pressure then i would bet the JB would fix it just fine. Years ago i broke the overflow nipple off the brass radiator in my surburban, Marine tex'ed it back on and it held until i replaced the rad due to core leaks.