Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank

C

CWells

Junior Member
Has anyone used Epoxy Resin or other adhesive to repair a hole in the upper or lower tank of a flathead radiator rather than soldering the repair? If so, how did it work? I have a hole in the lower tank of my 36 radiator where a petcock once was and would like to patch it with a piece of brass sheet. Curtis Wells
 
I've used epoxy resin to repair a broken dental syringe. I reattached the handle with it . We autoclave after use each time to 130C and has held together for the last 5 years. So will probably withstand the heat but solder is so easy ,quick and proven so maybe better to go straight to that
 
Under pressure, the top and bottom tank will flex and the Epoxy " fix" will leak.

However, you could give it a try and see what happens. Just keep your eye on the temp. gauge.
 
All I know is thay have made astonding advances in epoxies and adhesives over the last several years. Think about the body panel adhesives currently available.
 
Well, not a brass radiator tank, but along the same lines. My son had an Isuzu Rodeo and had a cracked plastic radiator top tank. He used JB Weld and it lasted four years until he sold the car. Might still be good for all we know. What do you have to loose?
 
On a Model T the overflow tube is on the bottom of the top tank and fell out losing all the coolant (on the) road so I stuffed wooden matches in the hole got some water and made it home. As we all know the T,s run almost boiling but I epoxied the two part 5 min epoxy and that was like 5 yrs ago. So it does work..
 
I have patched a pinhole leak in radiator cores and top tank with JB weld and had satisfactory results.
 
I too have had good luck with JB weld. Mine was on the core of an aluminum radiator that contacted the fan. Ugly, but after some big loads up my hill I poked it with a steel pick and found it to be quite solid while hot. Has never leaked.
 
I had a weeping along the top tank edges and painted on some of the liquid FlexSeal. You know, the loud Patch, Seal and Repair guy on TV. It can stand the heat and is flexible. It has held up for four years with a 4 lb pressure cap.
 
I would try soldering it. My shop teacher alway said “remember it has to be physically and chemically clean before you solder”. (Wire brush area and flux)
 
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