Bent radiator outlet - how to get round again?

D13series2 · Jul 5, 2016

Someone (ahem) dropped my radiator on the floor. Only damage is the lower hose connection is no longer round. Bent the lower edge up 1/4". Radiator works fine, not real interested in popping $200+ on a new one for this ugly work horse. Any tips on working this back out? If it was minor I'd just roll a punch on the inside. but this might be too big for that. Should I heat it with a propane torch then roll with a series of ever larger pipes/s punches/ stock?

Bob · Jul 5, 2016

What do you think will happen to the solder attaching the neck to the radiator if you heat the neck with a torch?

Even if you don't MELT it it will weaken and let go when you try to "massage" the neck back into shape.

An old-fashioned tailpipe expander used carefully and COLD will straight the brass neck pretty easily.

JoeM(GA) · Jul 5, 2016

An old-fashioned tailpipe expander used carefully and COLD will straight the brass neck pretty easily.

I second this, the same guy was in my shop a while back, borrowed one of these, about three easy turns with a wrench and we were good to go!

Dave Sherburne, NY · Jul 5, 2016

tailpipe expander from Harbor Freight about $15
tailpipe expander

Toolbag0125 · Jul 6, 2016

You can also take it to a muffler shop and they can fix it for you. I had the same issue took it to the local muffler shop. They put it in there flaring machine and it was good as new. Didn't charge me a dime. ( I did buy some pipe from them the day before also)

D13series2 · Jul 6, 2016

I have an expander, used it to enlarge the muffler pipe to work with my new manifold outlet pipe.

I was going to heat the outlet gently with the propane torch to try to avoid cold working and tearing of the old brass. But I'll try the expander cold first.

Toolbag0125 · Jul 6, 2016

(quoted from post at 04:42:32 07/06/16) I have an expander, used it to enlarge the muffler pipe to work with my new manifold outlet pipe.

I was going to heat the outlet gently with the propane torch to try to avoid cold working and tearing of the old brass. But I'll try the expander cold first.

I think you are better off doing it cold. When we swedge copper lines for HVAC I have tried heating first if I didn't have the right size and she splits every time. In my experience there is a fine line between heat and pressure and I have not been able to find that line too many times.

D13series2 · Jul 7, 2016

Had to tap out the flat portion with a round punch until I could get the expander in (lip was bent almost half way closed). Had to tap down a couple of hard creases once expanded. Did not even use a wrench, just turned out the expander by hand, with pip cold. All good now! Thanks!

As a side note my expander is so old it's on its second set of rubber bands.

Toolbag0125 · Jul 7, 2016

(quoted from post at 03:59:41 07/07/16) Had to tap out the flat portion with a round punch until I could get the expander in (lip was bent almost half way closed). Had to tap down a couple of hard creases once expanded. Did not even use a wrench, just turned out the expander by hand, with pip cold. All good now! Thanks!

As a side note my expander is so old it's on its second set of rubber bands.

Awesome glad it worked

Bent radiator outlet - how to get round again?

D13series2

Member

Bob

Well-known Member

JoeM(GA)

Well-known Member

Dave Sherburne, NY

Member

Toolbag0125

New User

D13series2

Member

Toolbag0125

New User

D13series2

Member

Toolbag0125

New User