General Questions Place to post your questions that don't fit into one of the specific forums below.

Aluminum Radiator Repair

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old November 26th, 2023, 12:47 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Mr Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Tinley Park, IL
Posts: 817
Aluminum Radiator Repair

The bolt for my overflow tank has been rubbing against the aluminum radiator. It did bore a decent indentation, but it does not leak. Only noticed it while doing some other service.

Even though it's not leaking, I'd like to be proactive and reinforce the area, my mind goes to a JB Weld (or similar) product.

Any suggestions?



Mr Nick is offline  
Old November 26th, 2023, 01:16 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
edzolz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Red Oak, Texas
Posts: 2,971
A very good welder could TIG that area to fill that void. I have welded air conditioner lines that had cracked and were leaking, that area would not be any problem.
edzolz is offline  
Old November 26th, 2023, 01:47 PM
  #3  
Moderator
 
Olds64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,949
^^^THIS^^^

TIG welding is the proper way to repair aluminum. Either that or just leave well enough alone and cut a rubber insulator to go between the bolt and your radiator. I've used heater hose before that way by cutting it open.
Olds64 is offline  
Old November 27th, 2023, 07:09 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Hammerdrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 276
There are some videos on YouTube using these aluminum brazing rods on AC condensers.
Amazon Amazon
Hammerdrop is offline  
Old November 27th, 2023, 08:20 AM
  #5  
Administrator
 
oldcutlass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,586
Originally Posted by edzolz
A very good welder could TIG that area to fill that void. I have welded air conditioner lines that had cracked and were leaking, that area would not be any problem.
Doesn't even have to be a good welder... Is that the tank or support frame?
oldcutlass is online now  
Old November 27th, 2023, 04:13 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
Funkwagon455's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Aledo, Texas
Posts: 2,400
Three nicely placed dimes, good for a lifetime…😉
Funkwagon455 is offline  
Old November 28th, 2023, 06:21 PM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Mr Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Tinley Park, IL
Posts: 817
Thanks for the comments.

It's the passenger side tank that has the damage. I've send JB Weld a message to see what they suggest. I'll probably just pull the radiator and have a local shop filler weld it. Years ago I had them pinch the aux heater hose nipple shut and weld it, since I don't trust the rubber block off caps. Weld looked good and has held up fine, hopefully the same guy still works there.
Mr Nick is offline  
Old November 29th, 2023, 05:40 AM
  #8  
Moderator
 
Olds64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,949
BTW, what brand aluminum radiator do you have in your Oldsmobile?
Olds64 is offline  
Old November 30th, 2023, 05:26 PM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Mr Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Tinley Park, IL
Posts: 817
Originally Posted by Olds64
BTW, what brand aluminum radiator do you have in your Oldsmobile?
Northern Radiator, specifically 205055. https://www.northernradiator.com/Product/205055

Can be found a bit over $300
Mr Nick is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SLCJD
Eighty-Eight
3
July 14th, 2023 03:12 PM
57J2Olds
Vintage Oldsmobiles
5
January 21st, 2023 01:41 PM
72hardtop
General Discussion
5
August 22nd, 2017 01:54 PM
AZ455
General Discussion
10
August 9th, 2016 11:47 AM
TCNakaya
Parts For Sale
8
December 25th, 2012 01:27 PM



Quick Reply: Aluminum Radiator Repair



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:36 PM.