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General Dakota Board
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Need Help
Dodge Dakota
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8/24/2004
05:57:25
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 Subject: Pastic Radiator Crack
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Message:
So, when I went out the other night to start tearing apart my intake manifold, I noticed that a lot of my coolant had escaped my radiator and had decided to cool the pavement underneath my truck. Wonderful.
Anyway, I located a very, very thin 1" crack on the top of my (2nd) radiator, where the hose connects on top.
I tried some plastic epoxys, which slowed the problem when running, but couldn't fully stop the pressure. I had heard that nylon w/ a heat gun could possibly do it, but I have neither.
Any ideas what could make a decent patch, at least for a while, until I could locate a replacement? Or is this something that's just going to grow and grow until there's coolant everywhere?
Thanks,
Gen II Dakota 3.9L (2nd radiator, plastic)
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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8/24/2004
06:42:12
|  RE: Pastic Radiator Crack
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Message:
I would guess any radiator shop can get you a
plastic top for you and crimp it on.
Might try the bone yards also. The top or bottoms
are easy to remove and using the right tool, easy
to re-install.
Are you using the form fitted radiator hoses?
Only reason I ask is the "fits all" flex hoses
tend to put undo stress on plastic fittings.
Good luck..
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Noltz
Dodge Dakota
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8/24/2004
08:58:30
| RE: Pastic Radiator Crack
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Message:
I've found it damn near impossible to get plastic rads not to leak once cracked. I've had decent results with 24 hour epoxy, lasted about 6 months.
Using 80 grit sandpaper, scuff a large area around the crack. I like to use a small griding disk on my air drill. Get the surface nice and rough, sanding in all directions. Next, take some masking or duct tape and tear it into little strips. Make a boundry around the scuffed area, layering the strips one-over-the-next, so you've created a 'pool' where you can pour the epoxy into & it won't spill everywhere. Mixing the 24 hour (not 5 or 30 minuite stuff, at least 12 but preferably 24 hour) epoxy exactly as the directions say, pour enough on to completely cover your scuffed area. Allow to harden.
You're scuffing to increase the surface area for the epoxy to hold on to. A smooth surface, there's not much grip. Also, the 24 hour stuff is slightly stronger than the 12, but the 'minuite' epoxies are not good for any type of stressed repair.
My 3.9 Gen2 rad is also going, but the fins are dropping out here. I'll have to purchase a new one.
Good luck,
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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8/24/2004
09:46:11
| RE: Pastic Radiator Crack
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Message:
1 patched one a few years ago using a 200 watt soldering iron. these things are used to solder radiators and gas tanks(really big). i just used it to just melt(for lack of a better term) the crack closed. it was still holding, driving it every day, when the car was sold, about 4 months later.
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