How to Repair Plastic Radiators
Most cars employ a cooling system, which uses a radiator and coolant to reduce heat on the engine. Many of today's vehicles use a plastic radiator. Plastic radiators started to become prominent in cars throughout the 1990s, prior to that time, brass radiators were used. However, plastic radiators are not without problems. If a problem arises, it must be fixed or the engine could be damaged from excess heat.
Supplies
- Radiator epoxy for plastic radiators
- Sandpaper
- Radiator hose
- Screwdriver
- Cooling system sealant
- Coolant
- Chalk
- Start the vehicle and allow the coolant to circulate within the radiator. Check for any leaks, dripping or spewing of coolant while the unit is under pressure.
- Mark the leak's location with a piece of chalk.
- Remove anything in front of the radiator, such as leaves or dirt. These can prevent timely repair. The most common leak in a plastic radiator is in the storage tank. However, the method of repair used will vary with the leak's location.
- Turn the vehicle off and allow the radiator to cool down.
- Take off the metal clamps holding the radiator hose in place.
- Loosen the hose from the radiator.
- Conduct this step for both ends of the hose.
- Replace the hose with a new one, and reattach the clamps.
- Drain the coolant from the vehicle and properly dispose it.
- Purchase a plastic radiator repair kit with general use sealant. Steel weld used on brass radiators will not work on plastic units.
- Clean the area with sandpaper and apply repair epoxy to the leak and allow to dry.
- Take off the radiator and pour in a powder sealant directly into the radiator, then refill the radiator with coolant. Close the radiator cap and replace it. Start the engine and allow it to idle for about 30 minutes to circulate the radiator sealant.