Refitting a plastic radiator end tank

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 5:33 pm

As you may remember, a while ago, I took apart 2 radiators to make a good one, because one had a busted end tank, and the other had a busted core. The problem was that the good core externally, was full of crud inside

So with a hose and a hacksaw blade, I cleaned up each core till it was clean.

I had a good core and good end tank, just have to put it back together

Today, I got some UltraGrey sealant and put a bead over the old gasket

And then with 2 ratchet straps, secured the end tank in place

While under pressure, I tapped the lugs back into position

And then crimped them with some multi-grips

All finished

revmax · Post by **revmax** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 6:32 pm

nice one

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 6:44 pm

revmax wrote:nice one

+1

purp · Post by **purp** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:29 pm

In m mind, radiators were always this magical special one peice unit. I would never have thought about ripping one apart and putting it together again like that before reading this.

When does it go into a car so we can see how it goes?

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:32 pm

Its to go into my RX, so once this is in, the crossbred handbrake is finshed, the exhaust is on and the last part of the wiring is finished, I might be able to start the engine. But at the rate I'm going, it could be 6 months

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:40 pm

You put this together just for a trial fit or you gonna trust it with the coolant pressure ? Great work and photos - impressed

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 9:17 pm

I used UltraGrey sealant goo, this was no 'trial fit'

You seem sceptical it will hold up?

Smokey · Post by **Smokey** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:52 pm

I too am kinda amazed and interested in this. But I guess when a rad shop "rodds" your core. They must do the same thing right? Works for them why not for us. Esp as your likely to take more time and care with your own work.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:48 pm

they have specialised tools - I assume. Gannon ain't even in the auto trade and he tackles many things better than I have seen in the trade !!

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:03 pm

Gannon wrote:You seem sceptical it will hold up?

I'll be very keen to see how this goes - Dad and I had a go at it but didn't think (at the time) of using some sealant. Leaked pretty bad after our "repair" job, it wasn't as bad as before we took it off though!

I do hope it works out for you and doesn't leave you stranded some day!

Cheers

Bennie

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:15 am

another doubting Thomas

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:55 am

With the tension I had the straps under, and with the sealant, Im pretty confident. I suppose I could have got a new rubber seal, but the original had some silicone sealant on it... anyway, it only has to hold 13 psi. (radiator cap opening pressure)

It wont be my daily driver, so Im not real worried if it fails, I'll just try again with more sealant and a new rubber.

coupe · Post by **coupe** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:32 am

I have done this myself numerous times, it workes well.
I made a core cleaning rod out or the wrap around stay that holds the radiator in place in the middle. I ground it down to fit. the stay will reach the full width of the core.
I modified a pair of small wire crimpers by reshaping one blade as a curve and leaving the other normal.
That way the flat edge does the opening and closing of the tabs. I havent used sealer when re assembling the tanks.
Cheers Pete