Easy Way To Test Radiators For Leaks

Easy Way To Test Radiators For Leaks FARM SHOP Handy Hints 29-1-36 Albert L. Url, 4117 E. Briges Road, Elk, Wash. 99009: "I discovered an easy and inexpensive way to test radiators for leaks. I put a shop vac on the blow cycle and blow into the radiator to find out where the leaks are. I cleaned them with brake cleaner fluid. If they're small, I use a screwdriver to make the holes bigger. Then I use silicone to patch them up and suck with the vacuum on the radiator to pull the silicone into the hole to form a tight seal. I made repairs this way ten years ago and the radiator is still holding tight. "The same idea can be used for a cracked engine block. When you put heat to a cracked block and try to weld it, the crack will only get longer. But if you clean the crack off and buff or grind it a bit and then use a shop vac to suck caulking in, the caulking will expand and contract with the cast iron and the block will never leak again. "A seam leak is harder to find because they're usually very fine. I use Varivain - a plastic coating designed for furniture - to plug seams. Works great."

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