Did anybody use RADWELD?

[zeeshan]

Hi

Did anyone use RADWELD for minor radiator leak? is it safe to use? my surf 2.4d has a very minor leak on top of the radiator, and I am not sure whether I should change the radiator or to try RADWELD, because I am not very comfortable with these fluids, as they run inside the engine and water pump.

[Antshiel]

Personally i tend not to add foreign fluids to any cooling system as you never know what the results are within the engines cooling system. Radweld say it is a permenant/semi permenant fix but you are always going to sleep at night if you get it professionally welded. It also doesn't fully flush out of the system as and when required.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Personally i tend not to add foreign fluids to any cooling system as you never know what the results are within the engines cooling system. Radweld say it is a permenant/semi permenant fix but you are always going to sleep at night if you get it professionally welded. It also doesn't fully flush out of the system as and when required.

If you can use a blowlamp, solder and flux like a plumber, you can repair the rad yourself.
With the engine cold, drain some of the coolant from the radiator using the drain tap at the bottom, catch coolant in a container so that you can replace it when finished.
Remove paint from the hole and the surrounding area using a sanding attatchment in an electric drill.
Clean around the hole with wire wool.
Using a 4" nail or centre punch, lightly dent the hole to create a dish.
Apply heat to hole using the blowlamp.
Dip the end of the solder in the flux and rub/melt over the hole so that the solder fills hole, take care not to over heat the rad with the blowlamp, just enough to melt the solder.
Allow to cool naturally, don't quench with cold water.
When cool. tidy the solder 'blob' with wet/dry paper and clean off flux residue.
Refil rad with coolant that you've saved in the container.
Start engine and bring up to normal operating temp.
Check for leaks.
If OK, re-paint sanded area.

If the hole is quite big E.G. more like a split, take a small piece of copper tube, cut down the centre with a hacksaw, bash flat and cut a small patch to cover the split. Solder as above.

[dave.j.robbo]

Apply heat to hole using the blowlamp.

How do you do that then..

[WARRIOR72]

ive used radweld before on other cars with great success theres also something called a 'dog turd' (grease monkeys will know what i mean!!) thats effective too but like bushy said it depends on the size of your leak. personally what with the surfs excellent cooling history i wouldnt fancy the idea of using any foreign bodies/fluids incase they clog the heater matrixes (or should that be matrii!?)and or the thermostat and create merry havoc with the cooling system. depending where the leak is and how bad if youve got a radiator specialist nearby(which fortunately i do!)a re core can be a cheap and highly effective option.good luck in this weather mate!

[da SLUG man]

radweld's ok for gatting you home... but just as good as using an egg white...

don't leave it in too long.

[osker]

doh! That's a new radiator on the top of my list then ... reconditioners near oxford .... humm .... would be nice to be able to affored a nice new one ....

[Woodzie]

doh! That's a new radiator on the top of my list then ... reconditioners near oxford .... humm .... would be nice to be able to affored a nice new one ....

Claim to do rads
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&...82596508742911


OR
http://www.touchoxford.com/business/...cing+&+Repairs

[osker]

Nice one -did a bit of a search yesterday but didn't get to that one in Botley - I bow to your web-powers! Thanks alot - I'll check them out.

PS - just waiting for some 8mm tubing to arrive then the diff breathers (well certainly the rear one) get their extension!

Cheers,
Keith

[Woodzie]

Nice one -did a bit of a search yesterday but didn't get to that one in Botley - I bow to your web-powers! Thanks alot - I'll check them out.

PS - just waiting for some 8mm tubing to arrive then the diff breathers (well certainly the rear one) get their extension!

Cheers,
Keith

I take it that you have been well bitten by the bug ........ When are you going to start lifting it

BTW have you seen the latest salisbury vid in the general section

[osker]

Yep - got a growing list of stuff to do. A 'slight' lift is on there .... oh yes.

I'd missed the vid - just watched it - that's some towing extravaganza. Is that Lurch who looks like he's bolted to the ground at one point!?