Leaking Upper Radiator Inlet
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Leaking Upper Radiator Inlet
Question on radiator leak/issue on my '80 L48.
Radiator: Modine replacement radiator purchased new around 1998-1999 from Western Auto (no Advance Auto).
My upper radiator hose inlet appears to be leaking around the seam where the inlet is attached to the radiator. Upper radiator hose does not appear to be the culprit but as it is nearly 5-6 years old, I am going to replace it as a first step.
My question: If the inlet is leaking, given the radiator is likely brass, can this be resolved with braizing/solder?
Who sells a good (GoodYear?) replacement upper radiator hose for the '80 L48 that doesn't cost an arm and leg (ie. no 200% markup on price)?
Radiator: Modine replacement radiator purchased new around 1998-1999 from Western Auto (no Advance Auto).
My upper radiator hose inlet appears to be leaking around the seam where the inlet is attached to the radiator. Upper radiator hose does not appear to be the culprit but as it is nearly 5-6 years old, I am going to replace it as a first step.
My question: If the inlet is leaking, given the radiator is likely brass, can this be resolved with braizing/solder?
Who sells a good (GoodYear?) replacement upper radiator hose for the '80 L48 that doesn't cost an arm and leg (ie. no 200% markup on price)?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Purchased an upper rad hose for $15 at my local NAPA...
WALKED to the store (4 small-town blocks away). Funny, with the increase in price of gas, I stand a good chance to finally lose those extra pounds by shopping locally instead of driving to the nearest 'big town' or ordering/shipping to my door...
WALKED to the store (4 small-town blocks away). Funny, with the increase in price of gas, I stand a good chance to finally lose those extra pounds by shopping locally instead of driving to the nearest 'big town' or ordering/shipping to my door...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
yes the rad can be soldered, usually with no problem. Any competent rad shop can do it. Soldering takes some education and some talent, but you can learn it yourself. My recomend would be take the rad out and take it to get done and pressure tested.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Originally Posted by Rich's'78
If it is a small leak and you don't want to remove the rad, you can use marine epoxy to plug it. Lasted several years on a friend's car (until he sold).
