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punctured radiator

Old 02-04-07, 03:44 PM
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Damn...

Ok so today I am working on the install of my GReddy fmic and installing one of the last pipes and my hand slips, bumps the hanging fuse box, and the stupid braket on the fuse box punctures the damn koyo radiator that is only 6months old..... Does anyone think it is worth trying to have fixed? Or just trash it and get a new one. The hole is prolly at least 1/16" by 1/8".... So pissed off I just had to walk away and pull it later.

To those with the new GReddy FMIC, were you able to use all the piping in the kit with your greddy elbow installed or did you have to get another pipe fabed up?
Old 02-04-07, 03:50 PM
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Where is the hole? How thick is the material there?

Personally, I would try cleaning it really well there, then using JB weld or one of those 2-part heat activated boat hull epoxies. I would work with the hole on the bottom, so that gravity keeps the excess from dribbling inside. Then when you have the fix done, take it to a radiator shop and have them pressure test it. Just an idea.

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Old 02-04-07, 03:55 PM
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Sucks about the Rad. I would try to fix it and if it does'nt work after pressure testing it, then scrap it. MY pipes worked well with the Greddy elbow, as a matter of fact I had to buy a Greddy elbow.
Old 02-04-07, 04:01 PM
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The hole is on the front of the radiator prolly 3-4" in and about 6" from the top on the passengers side of the car. I didn't feel like pulling the radiator b/c I was a bit angry at the moment so I just left it for some other day. I may try that with the JB weld, but having something like that on the car just brings up some worries.

Thanks for the help guys.. anymore ideas/suggestions?
Old 02-04-07, 04:31 PM
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dont buy a new one! unless you have plenty of money to spend. not in my koyo rad..in my stock radiator their was a hole pretty bad..always over heated..i didnt have the time to fix it, so i just got some-one to patch it..hell of alot cheaper, and my car hasn't overheated since then..
Old 02-04-07, 04:36 PM
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any good radiator shop can weld it
Old 02-04-07, 04:57 PM
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Take it to a Radiator shop and have it repaired right.
Old 02-04-07, 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by neit_jnf
any good radiator shop can weld it
SHOULD be able to, anyway...


Dave
Old 02-05-07, 08:49 AM
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+1 on the JB Weld... Many years ago I bought a brand new radiator and installed it in my car. On this radiator is a bung for the coolant temp sensor that controls the fans. I installed the sensor and I guess over-torqued it or it was improperly manufactured because the whole bung sheared right off the radiator tank. We're talking a hole the size of a quarter here. A little JB Weld and 5 years later it's never leaked a drop.
Old 02-05-07, 06:09 PM
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Problem is the closest radiator shop is several miles away. Lots of auto shops here, but no radiator shops.

So today I pulled the radiator and examined the hole more closely. It was right where I thought it was and the hole was very small, only about 1/32" by 1/16" right on the front of one of the bars. SO, I decided to take Dave's advice and use a lil JB Weld. So after it sets up I will throw it back in and just REALLY watch it closely for leaks. I am planning on prolly just replacing it this coming summer. I cannot even drive the car for another 3 months, so when I start it up to let it run for a while I will just keep inspecting it real closely. Hopefully this will be a good temporary fix... thanks for all the advice.
Old 02-05-07, 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by neit_jnf
any good radiator shop can weld it

+1, I had a similar problem. Welded and it works perfect.
Old 02-05-07, 10:12 PM
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If it is that new go to a radiator shop + 3 or where we are in the thread and get them to fix it. Most will give you a pretty good guarantee on the work they do. Just make sure your new school - ie they know how to fix this type, call and ask.
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