How to Repair a Heavy Duty Radiator
- 1). Locate the drain plug at the bottom of your radiator and open the petcock valve to let the coolant drain into your drip pan. Depending on the make of your vehicle the petcock valve is either loosened by a wrench or with a pair of pliers.
- 2). Remove your radiator from your vehicle. The procedure for doing this may vary from model to model. However, there are some universal steps you can take to remove the radiator. Use a screwdriver to remove the fan shroud if it obstructs your access to the radiator. Next, use a screwdriver to loosen all belt clamps and pull off the radiator belts. Locate the mounting bolts at the base of your radiator and remove them with a socket set. The radiator should lift out by hand.
- 3). Use a rag to completely dry the entire radiator if it is wet. Use a hose to fill the radiator with water. Watch your radiator and examine it carefully to locate the source of any leaks. Mark the area of the leak with chalk and then drain out all the water. Allow a couple hours for the radiator to dry.
- 4). Use sandpaper for metal to scrub the area if the leak is coming from one of the side walls of your radiator. If the leak originates from the grill use the wire brush to clean the area thoroughly.
- 5). Plug in and heat your soldering iron.
- 6). Apply soldering flux to the area on the radiator you are going to solder. Flux is a material that helps facilitate the soldering joint bond.
- 7). Hold a piece of silver solder a 1/4 inch above the spot that is leaking. Apply the tip of the soldering iron to the solder and allow the solder to drip onto the leaky area. Lightly brush the tip of the soldering gun into the melted solder to spread it evenly over the affected area.
- 8). Allow the repair to dry for 24 hours.
- 9). Fill the radiator with water to make sure the repair has held.
- 10
Install your radiator by reversing the procedure in Step 2.