Need some guidance from the brotherhood

[ktmoutfront]

I have a generator with an aluminum radiator in it. New ones are 2 months out. I need a temp fix for this. Copper was easy. Fold it over and solder. What do I do with aluminum that can not be welded. This is under the generator looking up.

No one knows how this happened. Of course.

 

[1-ton]

I there any radiator repair shops in your area?

 

[Chickntrk]

In a pinch at work we’ve taken them to a radiator shop and they can cut out the bad section and cap the tubes….

 

[ktmoutfront]

I called. They need the radiator out. 5 hours in the book for removing it. Same for replacing. Nothing easy. I need it to temporarily work, as he is loosing $2000 a day in sales and has private events that have already been paid for. I will order a new one for replacement.

 

[fastazz81]

Is there a way to get to the hoses and just mount a temporary radiator somewhere else?

 

[ktmoutfront]

I doubt it. The panels have to be on it for correct air flow for the cooling to work. Panels would need to be left off to add a radiator. I may just have to JB weld and fold over.

 

[Wes Harden]

Cut those 2 tubes remove the fins near the damage, fold the 4 ends several times. If this temp.

 

[Chickntrk]

What Wes said….we’ve driven trucks back to the shop that way, they usually still leak a little though so gotta keep an eye on the level


We did this one that way and drove it 50 miles at a time.

 

[ktmoutfront]

These guys are too stupid to pay attention to it. Has to be leak proof until the new radiator gets here.

 

[Fastereddie]

What about a temporary generator?

 

[ktmoutfront]

I am all out. This one is a 10k Onan diesel supper quiet. The events pay for him because the units are so quiet. Nothing else out there as a temporary that compares. And my 3 rentals are out working right now.

 

[Wes Harden]

Epoxy in tubes then fold before the expoxy drys

 

[Wes Harden]

Or fold and use half a tube of aluma seal

 

[ktmoutfront]

Cleaned the damaged area out. Single row radiator, tubes are 1.25 inches wide and only 0.25 inches apart. Not enough room to get in there and do a full bend.

 

[Chickntrk]

Is it small enough that the egg trick will work?

 

[ktmoutfront]

There is a chunk missing.

I pinched it around the damaged area. J-B epoxy pressed in and will sit overnight. Fill and test in the AM. Will add Alumaseal if needed.

 

[Chickntrk]

Maybe leave the cap loose so it doesn’t build pressure? Might just make it until you can get something

 

[swettysblazer]

My dad was in the radiator business for 40 years. This is the only stuff he would use to fix aluminum:

https://www.amazon.com/Am-worldwide-Accu-tech-cartridge-Radiator/dp/B011JD1DX4

It is a two part and it dispenses it in the correct ratio if you have their gun. I myself have used it multiple times and it works. Like Wes said, remove some of the fins around the area, clean it, slap this on, and cure it with a heat gun if you are in a rush.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I saw that stuff when researching. My problem is, it has to be on the road today.

 

[swettysblazer]

I saw that stuff when researching. My problem is, it has to be on the road today.

Yeah, I get that for sure. You should be good with what you did.