Epoxy on a radiator?

[DrDonnyBrago]

Hi,

I recently stripped and repainted my radiator as it was riddled with corrosion. All has been well for about 600 miles but yesterday I noticed a coolant filled blister had developed under the paint on one of the side tanks.

Popped it, dried the area (which didn't feel wet again) and stuck a blob of araldite over the blistered area.

Thinking about it later on I have doubts about how good an idea this was. In retrospect I SHOULD have stripped the paint from the surrounding few inches and treated the whole lot. Also I am not 100% on the suitability of araldite epoxy in this situation.

What ya reckon, will it last? temporary/permanant? Is epoxy the right thing on aluminium rads?

If there are better alternatives, how would I get the araldite off to apply them?

EDIT: Everyone loves pitchers


Before painting
https://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af271/DonnyBrago/DSC06188.jpg

After Painting
https://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af271/DonnyBrago/DSC06196.jpg

https://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af271/DonnyBrago/DSC06198.jpg

The area that blistered was about the size of a pound coin and around where the aluminium has pitted.

[Damon]

Doubt the epoxy will last an amazing amount of time tbh. I personally would strip the rad and then use one of those Ali weld sticks to braise the area.

[2Smoke]

This stuff works wonders:
https://il.rsdelivers.com/product/loctite/360652/leak-fix-repair-paste-55ml-tube/2269920.aspx

Have used it in allsorts of applications, radiators, fuel tanks, cases, cylinders...
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Currently in the stable.. '89 TDR250, 86 NSR250 '79 350LC, '79 DT175MX, 82, Pasola, '98 R1, '95 Speed Triple.. all of them total sheds..

[dodgydog]

I read somewhere that ordinary araldite is ok, but that araldite rapid absorbs moisture.

I repaired a petrol tank with araldite, many years ago. It outlasted the car.



Dog
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I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realise that what you heard is not exactly what I meant

[Walloper]

That radiator is bent like a Pringle man....

Araldite Metal or JB weld.

As long as the surface is clean, keyed and the operating temperature of the gloowed bit is within the limits of the glue then no problems.

We use a cold welding compound to repair holes in Air conditioning evaporators and condensers without issue.

But if your rad is rotting from the inside then your repair may outlast the core.

https://www.bostik.co.uk/diy/product/araldite/Rapid-Steel/118

I can't find the Data Sheet for this but JB WELD 'Waterweld' will stick like shite to a blanket.

Stable to 148.88 Deg. C (300 Deg. F)

https://jbweld.net/products/water.php

Don't know who the agents are and how quick or $$$ to get it but I did most of the work for yous...
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[DrDonnyBrago]

Thanks for the suggestions, in my haste yesterday to patch it up to make it usable for today I just dumped the araldite onto a poorly prep'd area and hoped for the best.

Anyone know if epoxy can be removed with heat or something so I can clean up and key the area and apply some JB weld?

Donny

[Kickstart]

Hi

Don't think normal levels of heat wlill.

A quick google (ie, here) suggests there are a few chemicals that will dissolve araldite but not sure how commonly available they are.

With it being on a metal surface I think I would just carefully try a scalpel to cut it off.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[DrDonnyBrago]

[Damon]

When I had to get old metal epoxy off my sump I used a knife, a thin screwdriver and a hammer to chip it away. It will easier to get off than you think.

Good luck!

[Louise]

Used Epoxy on my rad.
Its still going now. Seems fine, just smells when its hot

[Walloper]

Aradite Rapid will go soft enough to chew off with just boiling/boiled water from a kettle. The 'normal' stuff may be a bit more tenacious and need more aggressive Mularky-ing though.

If was well mixed it will chip off but then you risk poking a hole in the rad tank.

Can you get at it with a file/sandpaper/emery/carbrundinuminuminum paper? And just worry it away.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[DrDonnyBrago]

[Kickstart]

[Walloper]

I heard the pad backing licking the flat surface off my rear left disc of the car.
Hoi'd the wheel off to find a b*stard sliding caliper with a seized h/brake adjuster. Then the rain came on. Then it got dark. Then Halfrauds don't stock the pads.....

I effin hate cars.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[Kickstart]

Hi

You have my sympathy.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Noxious89123]