Repairing a pinhole leak in a radiator

[tennessebiod]

Dr. Lee
Another metallurgical question.
Due to a quality aftermarket oil cooler installation a clamp has rubbed a pinhole sized hole in my metal radiator. I am assuming from the brass color it could be repaired with a simple bit of solder -silver, lead or ?
Thanks
Chris

[CleviteKid]

Lead-tin solder will work, but you need to get the hole DRY and CLEAN. Acid flux will make for a good joint, if you can clean ALL the flux off after you solder the hole shut.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[tennessebiod]

Thanks Dr. Lee
The repair went well , no leaks

Chris

[CleviteKid]

Glad to hear the good news. You saved yourself at least $300.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[CareyWeber]

Dr. Lee,

Is there a easy way like solder to fix the newer aluminum radiators like at a tube?

This is just fo my info mine is not in need of repair.

Carey

[CleviteKid]

If I HAD to try to patch an AL radiator, for a short-term temporary fix, I think I would try a metal-filled epoxy.

There are zinc-aluminum alloys that do a good job brazing aluminum, but you have to get the substrate so hot that there is a risk of melting it. That would affect the characteristics of the radiator, I fear.

Dr. Lee