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griffin aluminum rad repair?
Gearheads,
I have developed a pin hole type leak in a tube of my Griffin aluminum radiator. What fixes are availible? I have never had to fix an alum radiator before. Thanks:) |
Steve,
I had the exact same problem with my Griffin radiator. Here's how I fixed it and never had another problem. I threw it away and ordered an Afco radiator. http://www.afcoracing.com/ http://www.priveye.com/dls/rad.jpg Roscoe |
There is a product sold (I bought it at a circle track supply outlet)
it is a plastic cord 3/16" diameter. The radiator tubes are carefully heated with a low temp torch and then you touch the plastic to the tubes and melt it much like solder, it does not flow out like solder but is applied in small "clumps". When heated the plastic is very stringy and has a lot of body. Be careful with the heat, too much heat and the fins will "Disappear!" In lieu of total replacement this type of fix OR some sort of radiator stop leak is your only alternative. Another option might be a glue gun & glue sticks commonly used in crafts. Just be sure the surface is clean, free of oil, coolant etc. Applied properly this worked well. Rick |
My Griffin aluminum radiator sprung two leaks in the tubes (my fault),I brought it to a local radiator repair shop and in about 20 minutes he had it repaired,cost 20 bucks I think,been a number of years now,has not leaked a drop since...............
I think any decent radiator shop could repair it if you do not want to try.......I'm about the worlds worst welder,so that's why I went straight to the radiator shop.......... David |
Ditto to what David suggested. My puller fan blades were not spaced properly and created a hole by rubbing the tube. In my case it was $5 and never a problem since. The only down side is the radiator has to come out but no big deal.
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Roscoe,
I can't blame the hole on Griffin. I bought the car assembled. It came with a fan setup that is held on by straps that go through the fins. I knew it was a lousy set up, but procrastinated on improving it. Stupid, stupid, me :rolleyes: Rick, I'll keep that in mind. I'm going to look for a rad shop I have some confidence in first. |
Steve,
I also installed a Derale fan with the spiral blades. The blades are all attached with a circular piece of plastic in a one piece mould so the blades cannot flex into the rad. http://www.derale.com/instructions/img/tornado.jpg Roscoe |
While we are talking fans now,I also use a spiral blade fan after going thru at least four fans,I have found they are the most efficeint and are also the quitest......Mine came from some GM car,I think maybe a Caddy,saw it on the floor in a local body shop,one small 'ear" broken,they were replacing it and the body man told me I could have it as they were going to throw it away,I think it is 17"s in diameter,my car can idle all day in 100 degree heat with it on and never get over 180 degrees of water temp........
Just picked up another at a body shop this week,came off a Saturn,spiral blades,15"s in diameter,had two little cracks in the shroud,works fine,keeping for my next project.... David |
Roscoe and Dave,
Thanks for the fan info. One of the best things about my car is I have never had a cooling problem, even in stop and go traffic on the hotest day in houston. For now, I think I will re-mount (no staps) the fan I have. The bills for this little "spring spruce-up" are piling up fast. %/ Steve |
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