Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

Has anyone used Epoxy Resin or other adhesive to repair a hole in the upper or lower tank of a flathead radiator rather than soldering the repair? If so, how did it work? I have a hole in the lower tank of my 36 radiator where a petcock once was and would like to patch it with a piece of brass sheet. Curtis Wells

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I've used epoxy resin to repair a broken dental syringe. I reattached the handle with it . We autoclave after use each time to 130C and has held together for the last 5 years. So will probably withstand the heat but solder is so easy ,quick and proven so maybe better to go straight to that

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I'd be concerned about the heat with the epoxy.....

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I have had good luck using J B weld on many radiators with holes or slit seams and corroded tubes. Tim

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

If it got as hot as Karl's 130C, I'd be more concerned about the engine.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

Under pressure, the top and bottom tank will flex and the Epoxy " fix" will leak.

However, you could give it a try and see what happens. Just keep your eye on the temp. gauge.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

All I know is thay have made astonding advances in epoxies and adhesives over the last several years. Think about the body panel adhesives currently available.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

Well, not a brass radiator tank, but along the same lines. My son had an Isuzu Rodeo and had a cracked plastic radiator top tank. He used JB Weld and it lasted four years until he sold the car. Might still be good for all we know. What do you have to loose?

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

The 2 part epoxy stick. Have had great results with it. JB weld and Gorilla glue are a couple makers.https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-42425...250399734&th=1

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

On a Model T the overflow tube is on the bottom of the top tank and fell out losing all the coolant (on the) road so I stuffed wooden matches in the hole got some water and made it home. As we all know the T,s run almost boiling but I epoxied the two part 5 min epoxy and that was like 5 yrs ago. So it does work..

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I have patched a pinhole leak in radiator cores and top tank with JB weld and had satisfactory results.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I too have had good luck with JB weld. Mine was on the core of an aluminum radiator that contacted the fan. Ugly, but after some big loads up my hill I poked it with a steel pick and found it to be quite solid while hot. Has never leaked.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I had a weeping along the top tank edges and painted on some of the liquid FlexSeal. You know, the loud Patch, Seal and Repair guy on TV. It can stand the heat and is flexible. It has held up for four years with a 4 lb pressure cap.

Re: Using epoxy resin on a radiator lower tank
 

I would try soldering it. My shop teacher alway said “remember it has to be physically and chemically clean before you solder”. (Wire brush area and flux)