Radiator repair

[perryjosh64]

Folks I have a 1964 Ford 2000 gas tractor that recently sprung a radiator leak. Have not yet been able to determine exactly where leak is other than upper left since thats where it appeared to be peeing from. Dont believe I hit/drove anything into while mowing over bumpy ground but anything is possible.
Questions are: 1) Advise on tricks to identify actual leak?
2) Advise on fixing options and these “radiator repair” kits and solutions sold in autoparts stores?

 

[BushogPapa]

Depends on how large the damage..Clean/sand the area and JB Weld can seal most smaller leaks..

The surface MUST be dry, tho..

 

[russ1]

Stop leak might fix it.

 

[riveroadrat]

(quoted from post at 15:56:22 05/01/18) Folks I have a 1964 Ford 2000 gas tractor that recently sprung a radiator leak. Have not yet been able to determine exactly where leak is other than upper left since thats where it appeared to be peeing from. Dont believe I hit/drove anything into while mowing over bumpy ground but anything is possible.
Questions are: 1) Advise on tricks to identify actual leak?
2) Advise on fixing options and these “radiator repair” kits and solutions sold in autoparts stores?

Probably the left tank seam, you might see it with the hood open. I have been looking at radiator caps and it seems they are rated with quite a few different pressures. I figure the more pressure the easier something will blow. It doesnt have an overflow tank anyway so if its coming out it will at whatever pressure the cap lets it out.

 

[perryjosh64]

Part of issue is not a radiator repair shop close to me and when I called parts store to ask who’d they recommend they said repair shop would cost bout same as buying new one? Sounds like more of “let me sell one vs help fix one” but don’t know what a repair shop would charge? Here is pic of leak.

 

[perryjosh64]

Sssooo is this something like “Bar’s Stop Leak” would fix? Or do I need to learn how to solder?

 

[riveroadrat]

Yea, that one would mark you. My father used to pinch the fins together and solder them. For a good solder job it needs to be clean. i cant remember which type to use rosin or acid core. Ruby fluid or paste makes it stick better. It can be trying unless you do it all the time. Its easier with the radiator off.

 

[Dollar Bill]

I've had good luck with below - Note, it is not just for aluminum radiators.

 

[gnarlytoes]

(quoted from post at 16:06:54 05/01/18) Part of issue is not a radiator repair shop close to me and when I called parts store to ask who’d they recommend they said repair shop would cost bout same as buying new one? Sounds like more of “let me sell one vs help fix one” but don’t know what a repair shop would charge? Here is pic of leak.

The radiator was leaking on my 6600 where both tanks joined the core when I bought it. The radiator shop said it would be about $150 to fix. Even if repaired, I would be dealing with 45 years of corrosion and metal fatigue in the old radiator. I decided to go ahead and spend another $100 and get a new radiator.

 

[Colin King]

I certainly wouldn't replace it with a new one - the original radiator will be much better than anything off the shelf today. The photo you took of the leak seems fairly minor. If you can find a shade tree mechanic or classic car collector, they should be able to get you in touch with someone who can do the repair. Doesn't have to be an actual radiator repair shop. I've had three radiators repaired over the years. The most recent job was also the most difficult and it cost me $80.

Colin, MN

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

My local radiator shop repairs old Ford ones all the time. Getting the original parts restored is always the best way to go with all of these original parts. There are a few products that can be tried to stop radiator leaks, like BARS-OL and such, but usually only are temporary band-aid fixes. A lot of guys swear by just plain old table pepper being the best stop-all leak remedy. I've never tried it, always been a firm believer in doing the job right the first time. I never had a leaking radiator issue on any of my N's, but have worked on others with severe rotted radiators with leaks. I replaced a radiator once with a new aftermarket unit and it had a nasty fit problem. The neck was a tad shy and the cap then would scrape around the hood when fastened on. Aftermarket radiators have a history of being junk.

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

 

[perryjosh64]

Here’s the thing, I am not mechanically inclined. However I enjoy figuring things out/fixing stuff when it comes to my tractor. If this is a “simple weld/solder” job would love to learn how as simple (and cheap) as possible so as to add another skill to my tool bag. Just don’t want to be the idiot who spends $200 dollars on what should have cost $20-$50 and end up taking it to somebody else to fix my screw up. So right now I’m googling/Utubing “how to” solder this using a simple map torch and solder rod?

 

[Larry NCKS]

Detroit Diesel recommends the use of cinnamon as a stop leak. It might be worth a try.