Radiator Leak

G6 at Snook, TX · Jan 14, 2017

How much leakage from a radiator it too much? What I mean, is that I have a pin hole leak in a fin or two, and just enough to drip occasionally, but the actual level in the radiator is not noticeably lower.

This is a repop radiator I bought from this site six or seven years ago. It was the restoration grade and has served well in hot conditions. The leak showed up in reaction to the low temps we had around here ten days ago. (17*) Which for south central Texas is low. FYI, I replaced the petcock valve because it looked like the leak, but no good.

Should I fix, or buy new? What is your advice?

John P. · Jan 14, 2017

I would find where it is leaking, clean it up real good, then
solder it up with acid core solder.

wellmax99 · Jan 14, 2017

I would pull the radiator, take it you a local radiator shop and have them properly fix the leak.

these old radiators are fairly heavy and should be able to be soldered fine. also at that time they can do a flow test on the radiator to be sure it is not partially stopped up.

remember:
fastest way to ruin a good tractor motor is let run out of oil
second fastest way to ruin a good tractor motor is to let it get hot, due to a faulty radiator or water pump.
also make sure your temperature gauge and thermostat are working properly,

that is what I would do, also check fan belt and water pump shaft for loose play, at that time,

Royse · Jan 14, 2017

Haven't seen you post in a while G6.
We're almost at opposite ends of the country. I'm in Michigan.
Radiators here are always full of antifreeze which also contains
corrosion inhibitors. Maybe not so in your area?

I don't like leaks of any kind, but some of my tractors have an
occasional oil drip from somewhere that haven't been fixed.
Radiator leaks on the other hand, I fix right away.

If you can handle the down time, take it to a local shop.
If not, since it's already an aftermarket, buy another aftermarket
and replace it. Have this one fixed as a spare for when the new
aftermarket springs a leak. Seems like they always do eventually.

G6 at Snook, TX · Jan 14, 2017

While I am in there, replace the hoses and thermostat too? They are about 7ish years old, but they feel soft still. Inclination is to err on the side of caution and replace that sort of thing while I have the hood off. The hoses are cheap as is the thermostat.

BTW, who sells the higher temp, 180, thermostat, and in Texas would you suggest it or sticking to the lower 160 sold here?

Thanks,
NDG

Royse · Jan 14, 2017

"While I am in there, replace the hoses and thermostat too?"

In for a penny, in for a pound. Maybe I'm lazy but I'd rather
do it all at once than do the same labor twice to get it right.

gwoc · Jan 14, 2017

Here are some sources for the 180 degree thermostat:

Duralast (Autozone)---3518
Beck/Arnley------- 13518
CARQUEST -------- 31177
Gates -------------- 33108
Gates Canada --- 33108
NAPA -------------- 184
CNH A-B2NN8575A ? Thermostat
A&I A-11C15

G6 at Snook, TX · Jan 15, 2017

Laid down the white paper last night to catch the drip, and none fell, but the fluid is ever soooo slowly filling up at the crevices. That is a tiny pin hole leak, hope it can be found.

504 · Jan 15, 2017

1/2 a bottle of Bars Leak and you will be good to go. Just make sure it is operating temperature when you add it.

cowdog · Jan 15, 2017

Go to a radiator shop and get a spoonful of jet seal.

Radiator Leak

G6 at Snook, TX

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John P.

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wellmax99

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Royse

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G6 at Snook, TX

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Royse

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gwoc

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G6 at Snook, TX

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504

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cowdog

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