Fixing Radiator Hose

[TurtleCrusher]

So when i bought the car i know the hose was broken at the point of connection. Is there a quick fix? The mechanic let me know the hose was broken, but said it was working just fine prior to the break. He plugged it with a screw and told me to not drive it much until it's fixed. So, is there a quick fix to this? Here is some pics.

http://i290.photobucket.com/al...Scholzpdx/PIC-0042.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/al...Scholzpdx/PIC-0041.jpg

Its an 86' Mercedes 420 SEL. I have some high-idle problems, but that's not the biggest worry at the moment.

 

[Vette73]

You should not be driving it at all if that hose goes to the overflow tank.

You can TRY some epoxy from the parts store. Get one that says plastic on it. Its like $5-6 a tube. If it comes apart after that then you just need to replace the Rad.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
You should not be driving it at all if that hose goes to the overflow tank.

You can TRY some epoxy from the parts store. Get one that says plastic on it. Its like $5-6 a tube. If it comes apart after that then you just need to replace the Rad.

Yeah, i'm not driving it now whatsoever. Where is a good B&M place to get a replacement radiator? I hope to not try this route because i'm sure its expensive for these cars, so i'm going to try the epoxy first.

 

[BlackTigers]

Before you go buy a new radiator, check on message boards or through junkyards to find a cheaper one.

I know that mine is several hundred new, but less than $75 for a JY or a used one.

 

[thescreensavers]

High heat epoxy would probably be better then normal just a thought

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
High heat epoxy would probably be better then normal just a thought

JB Weld is probably the best thing you can use on that. Available at any hardware store. If that doesn't work, new radiator time.

Plugging up the hose to the overflow tank wtf

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
High heat epoxy would probably be better then normal just a thought

Will this be labeled as such?

High-Heat Plastic Epoxy?

 

[Vette73]

Yea the epoxys will have the temp rating on the box and what they will work on.


If that fails the Rad. at www.rockauto is $175 or $185 for that car. You can get a 5% discount at fatwallet.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
High heat epoxy would probably be better then normal just a thought

JB Weld is probably the best thing you can use on that. Available at any hardware store. If that doesn't work, new radiator time.

Plugging up the hose to the overflow tank wtf

Well my father bought some JB Weld and used it today while i was at work. We're going to let it sit 24 hours or so before testing.

And plugging that hose, idk WTF they were thinking either. I got home just fine with it though.

 

[Squisher]

The only reason the JBweld would fail is because of the dissimilar expansion rates of the JBweld vs. the plastic of the radiator top.

If it does fail look for a more flexible solution like caulk or GOOP before you give up. I'm sure there is something out there.

EDIT: you might also be able to run a small pipe tap into that hole and screw in a short plastic nipple, which would give you a nice foot hold for any subsequent gluing. You'd probably have to grind out any of that pipe that went into the cap area.