Leak in radiator end tank

[Skylarking]

Yeah we don't all have that kind of equipment available.... as I said I'm only looking for a temporary fix until I can replace with a new

You can do similar with a soldering iron and some plastic salvaged from an old radiator

 

[Dan1488nz]

You can do similar with a soldering iron and some plastic salvaged from an old radiator

Lol I was even thinking a jet lighter and a zip tie... plastic tig welding

 

[Skylarking]

Lol I was even thinking a jet lighter and a zip tie... plastic tig welding

Hahaha, zip ties are nylon so that may actually work

 

[Dan1488nz]

Hahaha, zip ties are nylon so that may actually work

Or a soldering iron.... probably even better.... I only say plastic tig welding as it is somewhat similar, a heat source, and an external filler source

 

[Fu Manchu]

Hey guys... I've got a leak in the plastic end tank under the bleed screw on the radiator of my v6 wagon. My question is: will a spray on sealant like Flex Seal or CRC stop leak be sufficient, or will something like RTV be more suitable?
Cheers guys.

No. Please don’t.
Just replace the radiator. There are loads for VZ V6 on eBay at affordable prices.

Then follow my thread in the “How To” section.

 

[Fu Manchu]

I can’t believe what you guys are posting. I’m deeply ashamed of all of you.

 

[Skylarking]

Or a soldering iron.... probably even better.... I only say plastic tig welding as it is somewhat similar, a heat source, and an external filler source

Best heat source for plastic welding is hot air gun with a small nozzle fitted

I bought one from Bunnings some years ago for just over $100 and it gets to >500C so will plastic weld without issue. Haven’t tried it for such things as yet.

 

[vc commodore]

No. Please don’t.
Just replace the radiator. There are loads for VZ V6 on eBay at affordable prices.

Then follow my thread in the “How To” section.

I will punish myself by facing the wall in the corner, saying the words, never give bodgy advise....All I need to know is how long I need to be in the corner saying all this....

From that, I will then proceed to remove the water pump and thermostat housing from my VC and fitting a gasket, with aviation sealant....

My thermo probe, I will have to think of how to seal that up, whilst I am in the corner abusing myself for the advise I gave....

 

[Skylarking]

No. Please don’t.
Just replace the radiator. There are loads for VZ V6 on eBay at affordable prices.

Then follow my thread in the “How To” section.

Problem with second hand radiators is that the plastic is old and heat cycled so may be just as cracked as the original piece one is trying to replace or about to crack and won’t last as long

Plastic welding FRP isn’t a bad thing if done with care and skill. FRP tanks are made from a type of nylon which has glass fibre within. The nylon is a thermoplastic so can be repeatedly melted and will set hard as it cools. Cleanliness is critical. The idea behind mixing the melted filler rod with the base FRP is to mix the grass fibre into the molten plastic so it provides the original strength of the base FRP.

I can’t believe what you guys are posting. I’m deeply ashamed of all of you.

The great thing with plastic welding FRP is that the base can be built up in areas where the manufacturer was skimping on wall thickness or on strengthening ribs so the newly welded part can be made stronger then the original.

So if done well it’s not a bodge and should provide decent extension to the service life until one can afford to buy a new radiator (which obviously is the best option).

But I too will stand in the corner for suggesting such blasphemy

 

[Dan1488nz]

No. Please don’t.
Just replace the radiator. There are loads for VZ V6 on eBay at affordable prices.

Who in NZ uses ebay lol...
And some of us don't have the money to replace things.... like I said I'm basically broke with 2 new twins in the house.... just looking for a solution until I can afford to replace it