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Radiator leaking - when to repair vs replace?
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R6MGS
Yoda
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Depends where it's leaking from....assuming it's from the core itself it might be time to look at replacement. I had a rad recored for the 61 A last summer and during the process they had to drill a hole in the tank, when they resealed the hole they did a **** job and it ended up leaking from there shortly after. I ended up fixing it with some JB weld for now. If I were to do it again I'd just get a new one. Of course if you can find a COMPETENT rad shop they might be able to save you some money.
Alan_Myers
Luke Skywalker
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Hi,
Ask around to see if you can find a trustworthy local shop. If so, they can look at it and tell you if it's rebuildable or not.
The originals might be better made or better materials than reproductions. I don't know that for a fact, but it seems to be true of many replacement parts.
When rebuilding (or recoring) an older rad, you may have some opportunity to upgrade. For example, it's a great time to install brackets to mount an electric fan and/or shroud, and some shops might be able to install a higher performance core.
The only downside is weight. A modern aluminum replacement cuts almost half the weight off the originals.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Ask around to see if you can find a trustworthy local shop. If so, they can look at it and tell you if it's rebuildable or not.
The originals might be better made or better materials than reproductions. I don't know that for a fact, but it seems to be true of many replacement parts.
When rebuilding (or recoring) an older rad, you may have some opportunity to upgrade. For example, it's a great time to install brackets to mount an electric fan and/or shroud, and some shops might be able to install a higher performance core.
The only downside is weight. A modern aluminum replacement cuts almost half the weight off the originals.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
achtungeveryone
Jedi Hopeful
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My jb weld patch job lasted a week. It was leaking from the tank right above the core. I think it was just time to re-new.
G
Guest
Guest
Guest
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Tom, as I have discussed in previous posts, I have had the radiators on various Triumphs rebuilt by a quality radiator shop in my area. Since basically all he keeps is the frame and top, adding new cores and resoldering the whole setup makes for a work of art. And being art, it tends to be expensive. I personally would rebuild the OE radiator if the frame and top were solid. Not sure what the aftermarket quality is of the new, replacement radiators. I did go with a Ron Davis Racing aluminum radiator for my TR6, with a Spal 16" electric fan (removed the crank fan for good) and am tickled pink with the look and the result. My 2 cents.
TR6oldtimer
Darth Vader
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The quoted price does sounds about right. The upside to using a reputable local shop is you know where it is should there be a problem. Beats UPS everyday.
trfourtune
Jedi Knight
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also, jack & tony drews for aluminum.
rob
rob