• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

What type of metal is suitable?

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

malG

Senior member
I'm trying to fix a car with a broken inlet neck on a plastic radiator tank. The car is very old so I don't want to spend much, please don't bother telling me otherwise.

I found a high heat resistant epoxy putty that's good for radiators: http://www.hemmingsdiy.co.uk/quickste.htm

Now I need a metal stem to insert in to the broken inlet neck. I found someone who sells locally: http://www.performancemetalsaustralia.com.au/

From the above site there are many choices. Which steel tube is suitable for a high temp plastic radiator and rubber hose? Please tell me your reasoning.
 
Any reason you can't use a tube of the same plastic as the inlet neck?

Why does it have to be metal? Would heating/cooling cycles cause the metal to contract/expand and possibly crack the epoxy?

Is the tank under pressure?
 
PottedMeat said:
Why does it have to be metal? Would heating/cooling cycles cause the metal to contract/expand and possibly crack the epoxy?

Is the tank under pressure?
Click to expand...

I don't mind using plastic but I can't seem to find anyone selling a short 1 3/8" (35mm) plastic tube locally in Australia.

The tank is under pressure but not extreme high pressure. Not sure what you mean by heating/cooling cycles as the top of the radiator is always hot and we have mild winters here.
 
Make sure you roughen the surface on the radiator when applying the epoxy to make sure it gets a good bond.
Any metal will work that has a thick enough wall to withstand whatever pressure you are dealing with. Pressure is around 16-20psi so just about anything with a 1/8" wall or thicker will work.
 
It's only going to last 3 days, so it doesn't matter much what metal you use. You don't need much more than tinfoil to hold up to 15 psi. But the bond will fail, guaranteed. Get a new rad, don't waste your time.
 
malG said:
Dead wrong, the broken inlet neck has already lasted 4 months without a leak.

We just need a little extra insurance.
Click to expand...


Oh the irony in that statement.

I'd just pay $200 for a new radiator instead of having to worry about when the crack will leak and cause a head gasket to blow.

But that's my route. If you want to "epoxy" it, find an epoxy that can withstand 250F temperatures and chemical/oil corrosion.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top