Gunk radiator repair?

[Frank Griffin <frankrad4@xxxxxxxx>]

  I have seen radiator paint for sale that is supposed to allow better
heat transfer, I wonder if this paint is any different from any flat
black engine paint. I have a propane torch, is the solder and flux any
different from what you would use for a copper pipe? Is it beyond a DIY
to remove the whole tank?  I think the dent is repairable, it is very
blunt without any sharp creases to push out.
                                                  Frank

On Wed, 22 May 2002 17:26:39 -0700 "Dick Benjamin" <DickB@xxxxxxxxx>
writes:
> In general, it is a good idea to be very sparing with paint on a 
> radiator,
> as it impedes the heat transfer.  If you want to paint the tanks, 
> fine, but
> keep to a very thin 'dusting' of flat black on the fins.
> 
> Putting sealant in a car is always a last resort, as it inevitably 
> hastens
> the day when the whole cooling system will need to be cleaned out, 
> including
> the block passages.   If I were stuck with a hole in my radiator in 
> the
> middle of the Sahara Desert and only one 6-pack of beer to keep the 
> cooling
> system full, I'd use sealer too (I'd use the powdered aluminum stuff 
> that is
> usually next to the cash register at your local NAPA store, which 
> sells for
> 99 cents), but unless it is an emergency like that, I think you 
> should have
> it fixed right.    If they take the top tank off to fix it, perhaps 
> you can
> persuade them to push the dent out for you, but copper is 
> notoriously
> brittle when it gets old, they may refuse to take the chance.  
> Depending on
> how bad the leak is, and where it is, they may be able to solder it 
> for you
> without even removing it from the car (or if you have a propane 
> torch and
> the right solder and flux, you can do it yourself).
> 
> Dick Benjamin
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Frank Griffin <frankrad4@xxxxxxxx>
> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 10:22 AM
> Subject: IML: Gunk radiator repair?
> 
> 
> >   I have developed a small leak in my radiator, it is at the seam 
> where
> > the top tank is.  Someone suggested using the some gunk sealer to 
> fix it.
> > Can it do any harm adding it to my Imps cooling system? If I pull 
> the
> > radiator and bring it to a shop to be fixed I plan on repainting 
> it
> > before I put it back in the car. I would like to remove a ding 
> that is on
> > the top of the tank near the corner. Do they do do that sort of 
> thing at
> > radiator shops and how much more would it add to the cost of 
> repairing
> > the seam?
> >                                      Frank
> >
> >
> >