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radiator problems

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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 07:19 PM
  #1  
AlabamaGMC's Avatar
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From: Alabama
radiator problems

Im in need of a new radiator. The old one has a 6"+ crack down the side next to the tank. I can get a new one from parts house for $200 and i aint no fan of plastic tanks. I searched for an aluminum replacement but no luck. Any help would be appreciated.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 09:12 PM
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From: Denison, TX
Here is a possible solution. I had the same thing to deal with about 1 1/2 years ago and I repaired it. It is still going strong.

The local shops said it could not be done, but I took the radiator out and cleaned the crack with a moto tool wire wheel and then with lacquer thinner. then I layed a thin layer of J-B WELD on the area. When it had set up to where it was no longer sticky, I put a second thin coat. Again after it set, I put a third coat. It has held up all this time with no problem.

It could be worth trying. I was told that this seam cracking is very common on these trucks.

Daniel

Edit: This is assuming that your tank is metal as mine was.
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 11:40 PM
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oldblues's Avatar
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Exclamation

hi
if you check with a rad shop the tanks are available seperatly and can be replaced !
not sure if you ment the tank was cracked or the rad core ?

ps my son also repaired a rad with jb weld and it seems to be fine for app 1 yr now , but i am old school and dont trust that type of repair ????
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Old Apr 14, 2009 | 09:06 PM
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AlabamaGMC's Avatar
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The tank didnt crack. It was the core that the tank sits down into. Just below the radius. It is bout 6" long. Looked sorty like a fatigue crack. I just picked up a new one from my buddy at part house. $200 bucks out the door. A lot cheaper than a griffin. He could get new tanks to be pressed in but that wasnt the problem.
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