(Slight) Radiator Leak

[TS Flightlines]

Bill==You are right on the timing----as I recall. Not to call out any OE's, but Chrysler products, expecially Dodge trucks during the early to mid 2000's were notorious for heater core leaks. Yep---major surgery in the cabin to R&R them-along with the evacutating the A/C system. You could look into the inlet/exit tubes and see the aluminum pitting from the Dexcool. Similar with the 'plastic' tanks. We may be seeing something similar here.

Tom

[Amadeus]

Close monitoring of the return of liquid after blowing dry indicates the issue is in a one-and-a-quarter inch section of the lowest row of fins.

I've ordered a new batch of Marine-Tex and plan to empty the cooling system, blow the radiator dry then clean it with denatured alcohol. Once completely dry I will hold a stop block on the back of the radiator and push Marine-Tex into that single row within the one-and-a-quarter inch section as tightly packed as I can get it. Once cured I will refill the cooling system an watch for leaks.

[BillL]

Originally Posted by Amadeus

Close monitoring of the return of liquid after blowing dry indicates the issue is in a one-and-a-quarter inch section of the lowest row of fins.

I've ordered a new batch of Marine-Tex and plan to empty the cooling system, blow the radiator dry then clean it with denatured alcohol. Once completely dry I will hold a stop block on the back of the radiator and push Marine-Tex into that single row within the one-and-a-quarter inch section as tightly packed as I can get it. Once cured I will refill the cooling system an watch for leaks.

Remember that aluminum forms an oxide on the surface that hinders adhesion. You should consider using some metal-prep with phosphoric acid to clean that area. We use it all the time to prep for alodine and paint. Metal-prop, rinse with water and then alcohol to remove the water.

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by BillL

Remember that aluminum forms an oxide on the surface that hinders adhesion. You should consider using some metal-prep with phosphoric acid to clean that area. We use it all the time to prep for alodine and paint. Metal-prop, rinse with water and then alcohol to remove the water.

Thank you. Had not considered this.