Repair plastic on radiator, Qt..

[Robert Horne]

Has anyone repaired the plastic on the side of a modern radiator?

I have a 98 Cherokee for a parts/donor vehicle for one of my Plymouth projects.

The Jeep radiator has a small 1/2 crack on the top of the side plastic of the radiator.

I have read positive and negative on JB Weld.

I do not know what type plastic the radiators are made of.

I found new radiators all aluminum on ebay for $133, I may buy later.

Plastic type radiators are $60 on ebay, and $120 at auto part stores.

Poor engineering by Jeep,, in that the radiators are held in

place with 4 screws in the plastic along the top, rather than held in cradles

of rubber inserts.....

thanks,,,

[oldodge41]

I have had good luck with plastic repairs with this Permatex product. YMMV

http://www.permatex.com/products/product-categories/adhesives-sealants/epoxies/permatex--permapoxy--5-minute-plastic-weld-detail

[RobertKB]

Forget the plastic..............use a different plastic and get an aluminum radiator.

I have never understood why plastic would be used on radiators. The only reason I can think of is money saving for the manufacturers.

[dezeldoc]

If you are set on fixing that one have a new tank put on it, the plastic will not hold a patch. best bet would to replace it they are pretty cheap on ebay.

[Daliant.]

Plastic and aluminum are a lot cheaper than copper and brass so naturally the manufacturers will employ more cost effective ways to produce the same product, plus there's no pesky lead to deal with when it comes to manufacturing plastic/aluminum radiators.

I wouldn't try to fix the cracked rad, just replace it and be done.

[old stovebolt]

Forget the plastic..............use a different plastic and get an aluminum radiator.

I have never understood why plastic would be used on radiators. The only reason I can think of is money saving for the manufacturers.

Plastic weighs less than brass, costs less, and can be molded into much more complex shapes than brass. But, you are right, it is junk....

[Plymouthy Adams]

radiators are very inexpensively made and affordable to replace..given the job they do..you get more than good service from them on the average...its not worth stranded beside the road for a couple dollars supposed savings...usually they fail due to pressure..the pressure buildup can be head gaslet related or poor cirucit flow...if the poor flow/exchange..you probably need a radiator anyway..lot of folks about here gripe at prices but will pay that much or more in tobacco and or beer weekly ...just what good is that stuff doing you

[Dodgeb4ya]

I'd say buy a new radiator. The plastic repair will fail more likely sooner than later. The radiator/cooling system was probably over pressurized and that cracked the tank. The old radiator is more than likely partially plugged and starting to be weak in other areas too.

Bob

[knighthawk]

on other hand....plastic CAN be welded. I've welded plastic gas tanks also with success . the process is kinda like melting the plastic, together using the SAME type of plastic rod with a special tool like a soldering iron. it takes pratice, but can be done. On my own stuff is different than some one else's stuff , or with someone else's family car.

[Robert Horne]

I read some on the weld plastic, but have never practiced any.

Today I cleaned, sanded, and cleaned again, then applied a thick layer of JB Weld.

I heated the area before applying, and after for a few hours.

I just want to make the Jeep driveable enough to drive around the neighborhood for awhile.

I will let the JB Weld sit for a couple of days to cure.

If engine/trans, etc. are ok, I may install into my 37 Coupe.

If all goes well, I can buy a quality radiator later....

[Niel Hoback]

I think you will find that the JB Weld fixes it. Thats pretty incredible stuff thats gotten me out of a few jambs.