No. Get a new one is pretty much the only option that fixes the issue. Gluing and epoxy could work in rare cases…but to even do that correctly, you should remove the radiator and do it on a bench and that is a crapshoot as the radiator tank do get pretty crispy due to age, heat expansion and cold contraction over time. These radiators are pretty cheap so why would you invest in removing it without replacing it.
You can and it will probably work for awhile but unless you are extremely observant its going to eventually crack and leak. If the engine overheats it can cost a lot more than what the radiator costs to replace.
Basically max effort and being constantly worried when its gonna fail next. Or just suffer the $150 bucks and 45min job it costs to swap it out and its probably gonna outlast the car.
I just saw a guy do this on tiktok and looked like it worked well haven’t done it myself tho. He tapped new threads in there, put a brass fitting in with a ton of pipe dope and it sealed up great.
I did this once. It held for about 6 months, then the radiator cracked. I kinda figured it would since it was already brittle enough to break in the first place. But it gave me time to save up for a new radiator, so it was an overall win.
Can’t you just drill and tap a hole and then run a nipple with some Teflon tape into it?
Would definitely be worth trying.
No. Get a new one is pretty much the only option that fixes the issue. Gluing and epoxy could work in rare cases…but to even do that correctly, you should remove the radiator and do it on a bench and that is a crapshoot as the radiator tank do get pretty crispy due to age, heat expansion and cold contraction over time. These radiators are pretty cheap so why would you invest in removing it without replacing it.
You can and it will probably work for awhile but unless you are extremely observant its going to eventually crack and leak. If the engine overheats it can cost a lot more than what the radiator costs to replace.
Basically max effort and being constantly worried when its gonna fail next. Or just suffer the $150 bucks and 45min job it costs to swap it out and its probably gonna outlast the car.
My first thought.
With a bit of epoxy and threading, you’d definitely be able to give yourself a few weeks to procure an alternative.
That’s basically it. It puts the vehicle at risk, but even if the fix “works” it’s only going to work temporarily.
This will probably work for a while, at least until you get the replacement ready for install.
Use jb weld rather than the tape and it will be better
It can’t make it worse if you tap and get a nipple to work it could at least bye some time if not your radiator was already done for so no loss.
I’ve seen others do this. It’s worth a try, if it doesn’t work, you were still out a radiator anyway.
Drilling to size and sleeving with brake line or any small metal tube and epoxy works best in my experience.
No harm in trying, it’s already junk if it doesn’t work
I just saw a guy do this on tiktok and looked like it worked well haven’t done it myself tho. He tapped new threads in there, put a brass fitting in with a ton of pipe dope and it sealed up great.
Worth a shot IMO
I did this once. It held for about 6 months, then the radiator cracked. I kinda figured it would since it was already brittle enough to break in the first place. But it gave me time to save up for a new radiator, so it was an overall win.