Plastic Radiator Repair: How to Repair a Plastic Radiator Tank
- Understand Plastic Radiators. Adhesives are no good for plastic radiator tanks as the pressure as well as the temperature will prevent the adhesive from doing its job.
- Penetration. It is important that you are able to get good penetration whenever you are welding on nylon radiator tanks.
- Preheat. ...
- Weld. ...
- Finishing Up. ...
Full Answer
Can a radiator tank be repaired?
If you take your car to a radiator repair shop to repair a leaking radiator, you will often find that they will repair metal radiator tanks but NOT repair plastic radiator tanks. Instead, the radiator repair shop will probably try to sell you a replacement radiator.
Can you fix a leaking radiator with adhesive?
It may fix the radiator leak temporarily, but over time, the radiator adhesive will, more than likely, come off. If you take your car to a radiator repair shop to repair a leaking radiator, you will often find that they will repair metal radiator tanks but NOT repair plastic radiator tanks.
What are the problems with a plastic tank radiator?
The main problem is that plastic tank radiator repairs are just harder to fix. A lot of the time, you will need to replace the radiator tank or check the cost of a complete replacement radiator. Plastic tanks are not as easy to repair as a metal tank would be.
Can a plastic radiator be repaired with epoxy?
If your car radiator has a small leak, you may be wondering if it is possible to repair a plastic radiator and fix a radiator leak. Afterall, there is high-pressure, high-temperature coolant in the radiator tank. You may ask yourself, "How can a radiator epoxy adhesive possibly hold up under those conditions?" The answer is that it probably can't.
Can plastic radiator tank be repaired?
The only true way to patch a plastic radiator tank is with a true fusion weld. The Radiator Repair Kit enables you to melt pure nylon fill material directly into the base material, creating a seamless, strong repair that will last for the long haul.
How do you repair a plastic top tank on a radiator?
0:3511:26How to Repair a Leaking Car Radiator -Busted Plastic Side Top TankYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlong that seam is just to take a pair of pliers. And you just crimp these just a little bit tighterMoreAlong that seam is just to take a pair of pliers. And you just crimp these just a little bit tighter. Um i actually took a pair of vice grips.
Does JB Weld work on plastic radiators?
VERSATILE & DEPENDABLE: Great for radiators, washer fluid tanks, storage tanks, water tanks, plastics, composites, PVC and more. Professionals, mechanics and avid DIYers know J-B gets the job done.
What is the best glue for plastic radiators?
The best epoxy for plastic radiator repair would be J-B Weld, which will work on plastic tanks as well as other metal surfaces.
Can you solder a plastic radiator?
1:055:04Repair a leaking plastic Car RADIATOR easy FIX cracked or ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're using just a regular soldering iron.MoreAnd we're using just a regular soldering iron.
How do you seal a plastic radiator leak?
0:407:26How to Fix a Cracked Radiator Plastic - JB Water weld - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem so there is I can replace the radiator but that's $120. Or I can buy there's a repair kitMoreSystem so there is I can replace the radiator but that's $120. Or I can buy there's a repair kit from jb weld to repair plastic. But that's gonna take a week to get here because i can't find it at
What is the best J-B Weld to use on a plastic radiator?
0:311:36How To Fix Leak On Plastic Radiator-JB WELD ($15.00 & 15 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause jb weld will bond better to a rougher surface rather than to a smooth. And then beforeMoreBecause jb weld will bond better to a rougher surface rather than to a smooth. And then before applying this product you want to make sure that it's debris free no sand no dirt.
What kind of J-B Weld do you use for radiators?
RadiatorWeld™ is a plastic tank and radiator repair kit designed for permanent or temporary repairs on both metal and plastic radiators and plastic liquid storage containers from leaks caused by cracks of 4" or less and holes up to 1/4" diameter.
Is J-B Weld antifreeze resistant?
The JB Weld will not hold for too long, the antifreeze agent will compromise the epoxy, and it will star to leak again. Also, be very careful with using hose clamps to hold the rubber hose on the pipe, because the clamps can rub against your fuel tank and then the leak will be in a much worse location.
What kind of glue can I use on a radiator?
2:4014:34How Strong is Super Glue?! Fix a Radiator With GORILLA GLUEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo uh it's just a gorilla super glue and that's what we're gonna use. And see how strong it is andMoreSo uh it's just a gorilla super glue and that's what we're gonna use. And see how strong it is and if it is strong enough to hold this radiator down here.
What kind of plastic is used on radiators?
glass-reinforced nylonBecause of the harsh operating conditions, the radiator tanks are made from glass-reinforced nylon, a plastic that features a high-softening point. The high-softening-point nylon plastic is what helps the plastic radiator tank withstand the pressure and temperatures involved.
How do you weld plastic radiators?
Melt the nylon rod into the v-groove with a plastic welder. The rod should come out melted and a little bit brown, but not discolored too badly. While the melted rod is still hot, use the tip of the welder to stir together the new plastic and the radiator plastic. Keep mixing until the plastic is all one color.
How do you repair a plastic radiator neck?
2:546:04Plastic Radiator Neck Reinforcement or Repair ? DIY Options Available ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo take a look you know it's once I get the hose on there and get it clamped once again our kitMoreSo take a look you know it's once I get the hose on there and get it clamped once again our kit includes the large clamp. I don't I think the the factory Mercedes clamps are too narrow.
How do you remove a plastic radiator cap?
0:541:34How to open the radiator cap that is stuck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn it counterclockwise. And take it out all right put it back in the same thing push it down turnMoreTurn it counterclockwise. And take it out all right put it back in the same thing push it down turn clockwise.
How do I fix a leaking top radiator?
Remove the radiator cap and pour the contents of the leak sealant directly into the cooling system. Top it off with a coolant and water mixture if your vehicle's engine is currently low. Replace the radiator cap and start the engine. The leak will seal as the sealant makes its way through your coolant system.
Are plastic tank radiators any good?
The only real advantages that plastic radiators have is that they are lighter and less expensive than metal radiators. Price is often a sticking point with people, so it is perfectly understandable if you wish to go with a less expensive option for your vehicle.
Step 1 - Locate The Crack
The easiest way to locate a crack in the radiator is to let the engine run until the temperature is normal high. It will take at least half an hour...
Step 2 - Prepare The Crack Area For Repair
The next thing you need to do is to clean the crack with a toothbrush and dry the area. Pour a little acetone over the toothbrush and begin to scru...
Step 3 - proceed With Actual Repair
Press the tip of the soldering iron against the tie until it begins to melt, working as a sealant. Press the tie so that it wraps into the crack. T...
How to find a crack in a radiator?
The easiest way to locate a crack in the radiator is to let the engine run until the temperature is normal high. It will take at least half an hour before pressure builds up. Shut off the engine so that the pressure forces out the coolant from the crack. Mark the cracked area with a marker or tape. Then wait for the tank to cool down and take ...
How to fix a crack in a water tank?
Mark the cracked area with a marker or tape. Then wait for the tank to cool down and take the cap off. Check if the crack is above or below the coolant level. If it is situated below, you have to drain some coolant until the crack shows up above the coolant level. You may remove the lower hose clamp or use a drain tank cylinder to drain ...
How to seal a crack in a tie?
Press the tip of the soldering iron against the tie until it begins to melt, working as a sealant. Press the tie so that it wraps into the crack. Then, slowly move along the cracked area, ensuring it melts well enough to seal the crack. Keep melting at one place until the tie and its adjacent areas turn into a hot liquid.
Can a plastic radiator leak?
There are various parts of the plastic radiator that can leak: you may spot a crack on the hose or the body of the radiator itself. Before you get to the actual repair, you may want to examine the fittings that lead to the radiator.
Can you fill a cracked radiator with coolant?
Now, you may fill the radiator with coolant and complete a test to make sure that the crack is properly sealed. As you can see, all it takes is your new found knowledge and a little elbow grease to fix your cracked plastic radiator yourself. Now you can use your big savings for your next DIY project!
Plastic Radiator Repair
Plastic radiator repair, in most cases will not work. As car companies focus more and more on light-weight, yet durable materials, plastic tank radiators with aluminum cores have become increasingly more common.
Plastic Tank Radiator Repair options
Plastic tank radiators can be quite hard to repair. Many believe it is easier just to replace the radiator, rather than trying to fix it. With metal radiators, you can solder or weld leaks but with plastic tank radiators you don’t have that option and a repair is not as easy.
How to repair a cracked radiator?
Step 1. If you are repairing the radiator while it is still in the car, drain the antifreeze until the level of the antifreeze is below the crack line. This way, the antifreeze won't seep out of the crack and ruin the repair. Clean the cracked area with Super Prep Plastic Cleaner. Step 2.
How to fix a radiator leak?
If you are trying to fix the leak in the radiator while it is still in the car, drain the antifreeze until the level of the antifreeze is below the crack line. This way, the antifreeze won't seep out of the crack and ruin the repair. Clean the cracked area with Super Prep Plastic Cleaner. Step 3.
How to make a radiator rod brown?
Mix the new plastic with the old plastic. While the melted rod is still hot, use the tip of the welder to stir together the new plastic and the radiator plastic. Keep mixing until the plastic is all one color.
What is a plastic radiator made of?
Plastic radiator tanks are made of nylon which has a very high melting point of about 425°F (218°C). While it is not required, the repair will go faster if you pre-soften the plastic with a heat gun. Melt in new material. Melt the Nylon rod into the Vee groove with the plastic welder.
What is a radiator tank made of?
Because of the harsh operating conditions, the radiator tanks are made from glass-reinforced nylon, a plastic that features a high-softening point. The high-softening-point nylon plastic is what helps the plastic radiator tank withstand the pressure and temperatures involved.
How to repair a v groove?
If you have a heat gun, you can speed up the repair process by softening the plastic. Preheat the area to be welded with a heat gun. Heat slowly until the area in and around the v-groove begins to turn glossy. On long cracks, preheat a two-inch section at a time and complete the weld in that area before moving on.
Can you fix a leaking radiator?
It may fix the radiator leak temporarily, but over time, the radiator adhesive will, more than likely, come off. If you take your car to a radiator repair shop to repair a leaking radiator, you will often find that they will repair metal radiator tanks but NOT repair plastic radiator tanks. Instead, the radiator repair shop will probably try ...
What is a problem with a car radiator?
Usually, the problem car owners face with the radiator is a leak or crack on its surface. However, you don’t need to run to a mechanic every time you face a leak, specifically, if your car uses a plastic radiator.
Is epoxy paste safe for radiators?
The epoxy paste is nontoxic after a full cure .
Can epoxy be used on plastic radiators?
The range of temperature tolerance is crucial when it comes to choosing the right epoxy for repairing your plastic radiator. Since a radiator is constantly going through a transmission of high temperature, an epoxy with a lower temperature tolerance can melt or bend, causing a potentially life threatening fire hazard.
Step 2 – Penetration
- It is important that you are able to get good penetration whenever you are welding on nylon radiator tanks. The best way to do this is with a "V" grooving tool. You will use this tool in the cracks. If you unable to get one of these tools, then you will be able to use the tip of your welder …
Step 3 – Preheat
- Because nylon has such a high melting point, you may want to consider preheating it with a heat gun. This will help to make your heating process go much faster. You will simply need to get the heat gun pointed in the area you wish to work on first. When the plastic starts to look glossy step back a couple of minutes so that the heat will be able to go through. Whenever you feel like the h…
Step 4 – Weld
- With preheating done, you are ready to get your nylon welding rod out and get about an inch of melted rod laid down. You will need to get the welder and the rod separated and work your melted rod into the nylon. Do this until you have a good mixture;you will know when this is done because the radiator and the rod will become the same color. You will need to continue to do this until th…
Step 5 – Finishing Up
- Once you have the area mixed well you are ready to finish up. You will simply need to get the tip of the welder and smooth out the area as best you can. Do this until the entire base is smooth and looks like new again.