rusted radiator troubles

[dan160]

Holy cats! You all warned of troubles removing the radiator but I'm about to remove the whole front end to get that off! One nut off and the other, "was" a 5/8" but now rusted and misshaped so nothing I have fits it. If I tourch if off, is there a replacement post or is it "part of the radiator? Crazy!

I'd have just left it but there's a small amount of antifreeze that I see all the time, I can't remember haveing to add fluid so it's a very small leak...just thought since I'm this deep into it, may as well have it checked out.

Are these posts removable and/or replacable?

 

[Janicholson]

Assuming an H or M or other of the same pattern, they are studs many cut them off and remove the stubs after the rad is out. If you are good with a flame wrench, heat the edge of the nut only then gently apply oxy to scarfe off the tut only. if it comes part way, let it cool before trying again, or you will cut the stud. The trick is to keep the stud below cutting temp so that it does not ignite. JimN

 

[Anonymous-0]

If I cut those bottom bolts off, can a guy find replacement bolts, drill and tap the old holes in the radiator, or are the bolts soldered to the radiator? I have a H and M, should be same design. And, is there some kind of extra manual for the radiator, sometimes pictures are easier for my simplier mind. Again, thanks everybody and really enjoy this Forum.

Andy, Indiana

 

[dan.160]

With the toarch idea, just thought what if I use a nut-splitter and break the nut off and just buy a new one. not sure if it's standard threads but prob. just a 3/8" nut that can be easily replaced????

 

[glennster]

soak the studs and nuts up good with pb blaster. if the nut is rounded pick up a gator grip socket. its a fits all, with a bunch of little pins in it . they grab a rounded nut pretty good. if you want to pressureize the block to check for leaks, get a big bicycle innertube, cut it opposite the valve stem. hook the ends to the water outlets and pump some air in the tube. look for leaks in the block.

 

[dan.160]

Hey,

I just used a nut-splitter and it worked like a charm. 10 mins of work. wrecked the nut but I know that"s an easy replacement. I say...if you don"t have a ratchet box-end wrench or it"s rusted...split it!!! Man am I glad I found this web-site...everyone is so helpful and nonjudgemental with a city boy trying to find a hobby for his `12 year old son and dad to dig into. Thanks for being apart of this site!