Radiator/Surge tank leaks, help

MaSnaka · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 05:37 PM

I recently discovered my radiator surge tank has a few leaks. There was a visible pin hole leak along the horizontal seam which I attempted to solder and while not the pretiest of jobs seems to have held for some time. I noticed some of the paint blistering along that same seam and found another couple seepers. So I pressurized the whole system to 16 lbs ( I use a 14 lb cap) with an air pump kit and found about 6 different places where coolant seeps, one spot has an occaisional drip. I am wondering if the whole seam is getting ready to split open. I will take the tank to the radiator shop and see if it's all repairable tomorrow. Maybe I'm better off replacing this tank with something more modern. Any thoughts. I do favor the nostalgic look of the 60's style tank, but if it's wore out it's time to replace. I suspect the tank I have has been modified to fit under the hood. Sorry for the long post. Your thoughts please.

John

Tom Howland · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 08:11 PM

I would save it. The paint has to be removed where soldering. A radiator shop should be able to repair it. A metal fabricator might be better. I just fixed my SS tank with silver solder. Flows much better using a torch. If you start new it will be an all new fabrication. That brass tank new not assembled is about $350.

PANAVIA · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 08:29 PM

Agree with tom, a capable Radiator shop ( with old guys ) can do this, -- the current rad shops have lost their solderers, as its all rip and replace now.

Steve

MaSnaka · #4 (**permalink**) 01-10-2011, 02:59 PM

Tom and Steve,
Thanks for the good advice. I took my tank to an old school rad shop this morning. Sadly I may have been his only project. He jumped right on it and had me fixed up in 30 minutes while I watched. I was trying to flatter the guy by telling him he has a dying craft and that I was recomended to find a shop with old guys. He gave me a look and said thanks a lot. There is something to be said for thick skin. He charged me $20 bucks and I was on my way.

What cap pressure should I be using on my 1972 390fe ? I have been using a 14# cap and 195 thermostat. Too high or just right.

John

Tom Howland · #5 (**permalink**) 01-10-2011, 08:15 PM

I would leave it all there. The 14 should get you over 230 for boiling. The 195 you would run around 200 which is good for the oil. Glad you found a craftsman.