closing rows on a radiator

[swynx]

I've never done this before. Seen people do it and never replace the radiator. Do just pry the top off and pinch them shut.

 

[RonD]

OK, gotta ask why??? lol

In the old days of all metal radiators that were over sized for the engine, yes people would unsolder the tops and pinch off leaking tubes.

With the new plastic rads I don't think you could do that, you may be able to pinch leaking tubes at each end with needle nose, but most likely would just create another leak point.

 

[adsm08]

If you have just one or two rows leaking it can be done, but it is very tricky.

I have seen it done successfully on a 1st gen Expedition.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The ones I have seen they just pinch off around the injury.

The old copper radiators take it better than the aluminum ones.

Be carefull, it can transform a minor annoyance to a major problem if the radiator is rotten.

 

[simpler=better]

You're probably better off cleaning the area and globbing on JB weld. It does do a good job on radiators when you're in a pinch.

 

[swynx]

My friend said his dad uses bubble gum...

 

[RonD]

My friend said his dad uses bubble gum...

Yes, but leave the rad cap off or it will blow a bubble and get all over the fan blades........man that stuff is hard to get off

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You're probably better off cleaning the area and globbing on JB weld. It does do a good job on radiators when you're in a pinch.

It would be hard to glob JB weld on a tube though, I have seen them soldered too.