Hey guys, i am looking at starting up my new 427, and go to get it going today, and what do i find, in the moving and 2 years since i tore this thing down, somehow my radiator got banged or something now has a small leak.

Filled it up today, and about halfway up the radiator i see a small drip form. It drops about every 10-15 seconds.

Do i finish filling it up, prime the engine and get it all started, or just deal with it, bit the bullet, and try to find a cheap replacement radiator? I just dont really know how i feel about putting stop leak into a fresh startup of an engine, i will have to deal with enough things. And when the water gets pressurized i just hope it wouldn't get worse.

This is a stock type radiator, 3 core. Thanks guys, need some opinions.

-Daniel

I'm a car dealer:D Hey the stuff works but I would never use it in my car.

Does Stop Leak work?

YES...

but

Working in a radiator shop...it can clog up all kinds of areas...I will never use it.

Radiators arent high tech. You could repair one yourself with a torch, solder, hammer, sandblaster, and an air compressor and some simple fittings.

IF you're going to use one, use Bars Leaks IMO.

I would never put it in one of my cars unless I was desparate. If it will clog up a leak in your radiator can you imagine what it would do to the rest of your cooling system.

:noway: NOPE.....

Lol, alright. I pulled it out of my car earlier today, and i will find a radiator shop here in town on monday and see if i can get it repaired. If not i already found a used one locally here out of a 72 chevelle that a guy will sell me for 80 OBO. So either way i should be able to work something out. Thanks guys!

-Danel

I had a small leak in my rad, I just hit it with some steel wool, got out my flux, solder and propane torch and a few minutes later no more leak

What to do...

One main reason of leak is the solder in the radiator cracks.
Another reason is the brass,steel, or aluminum gets weak and cracks.
Most radiator caps are made to hold 14-19 psi.

SOOOOO

Pump 19psi into your rad. Summerse under water and you will see bubbles. Theres your leak.

Sometimes by just heating and reflowing the solder you can get the leak to seal.

That radiator place shouldnt charge you more then $120. Most of ours are about $60-$90.

Yikes, well i can find a local used radiator for something cheaper than that.

After having an extensive talk with my dad about welding/soldering radiators, i'm gonna give it a shot myself. I came home last night with a bag full of tools that he loaned me, and we'll see how it goes.

If not, i found a local used radiator for around $80 OBO. So if i can't fix mine, ill prolly go that way.

-Daniel

Get a price on a new one before you spend $80 on a used radiator. They have come down in price and may not be as expensive as you think.
If the leak is as small as you describe, most small leaks will seal up on their own accord. If you are having a hard time cleaning and getting the solder to flow, you can always pinch off the offending tube at the top and the bottom until another radiator is procured. Daniel, new radiator at parts america $230.00 Lifetime warranty partsamerica.com/ProductList
Squido