Top of the radiator leaks

The top of the radiator is made of hard plastic (SVX97). It does have a hairline crack. I try to glue it, but the glue failed to stop the leak. Is there any suggestions? The car does not heat, but It uses a lot of coolant..Help, please.

[b3lha]

It's a common problem, I had it too. Some people have succeeded with glue, but it didn't work for me either. The solution is to replace the radiator. It's an easy job to do even for a novice mechanic.

[svxistentialist]

The radiator gets pretty hot, and is also under pressure, so in use this hairline crack will expand.

If you used a glue that sets hard, then the expansion that happens merely re-opens the crack. You have to use a glue that bonds well to the surface [which if it is too shiny like our radiator top, you have to "key" or roughen with sandpaper ] and that also remains flexible for the thermal and pressure expansion that happens.

I did a repair that worked on a Matra car I had, plastic topped rad like our SVX. However, I used a two-pack epoxy paint and put on plenty of glue. Lasted quite a while. You might have a look for this product:
http://www.caswellplating.com/permat...msealants.html
which may do the job for you.

You can take the following advice at YOUR OWN RISK! Don't do it if you are unsure what you are doing, and you are immediately prepared to replace the radiator if it goes wrong! Your hairline crack will not allow the glue to enter the crack area and bond to the two split surfaces. To allow the glue best chance to work, you could consider using a multi-tool type device [aka Dremel] to open up the hairline crack using a 1 mm drill/cutter along the length of the crack [don't break any drill bits into the rad either]. This will allow the adhesive to get into the crack and bond to the two sides. Provided you are sure the adhesive will work with temp and pressure, and remain flexible, it will probably fix your leak.

But for absolute security, replace the radiator, Phil is correct.

Welcome to the site, BTW.

Joe

Thank you ! I am going to seal it first and see how it works..

[TomsSVX]

Get a PWR radiator for peice of mind... they are the single aftermakret replacement and the aluminum will never crack on the tanks

Tom

[NikFu S.]

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

Get a PWR radiator for peice of mind... they are the single aftermakret replacement and the aluminum will never crack on the tanks

Tom

Do they have them in stock yet?

I never got a response back from sales or whoever.