Astro_Al Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi folks, my tig welder has started spewing coolant from a pipe in the radiator - looks like the little blighter has frozen and split. I think its copper pipe, looks about 10 or 15mm (sorry all info from a quick glance as I was rushing out). Split is about 1cm long, in line with the pipe, more or less, but on a tight U bend. What is the fastest, easiest way to get this thing sealed up and running? ...and don't say tig it...! Cheers, Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 You should be able to solder it if it's copper, depends on how much pressure it needs to take. If it has to take pressure then you can either solder and sleeve it or put a joiner in if it's a standard plumbing size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 Its pretty low pressure. I don't think a sleeve is doable as it'd be a compound curve and a bit tricky... Thats one viable idea on the list though! Ta. Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 If it's a stock plumbing size then cut it out & replace with some new pipe / elbow. If it's not, see if you can remove the assembly complete and replace it with something made of standard plumbing/hydro/flexi heater hose parts to save arsing about. The other solution is to wander into HypHose, wave it under their noses and ask them nicely to make it better, they're not easily beaten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruuman Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 if you just want it up and running again quick I've had a lot of success with this stuff http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...10437_langId_-1 diff pans, coolant pipes, fuel tanks, heating tanks. Not as nice as everyone else's suggestions, but should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q-rover Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Gaffa tape? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Chemical metal, leak fix, etc are good if they are applied correctly. You could also use self-amalgamating tape, radiator repair tape, etc. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smo Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Quick fix would be self amalgamating tape, better solution is to replace it then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanny Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 If its a standard plumbing size could you use a couple of compression fit joints and flexible braided pipe length (similar to that fitted to some sink taps)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I repair radiator leaks on site with a gas torch used for glazing some girlie pudding or other, (it melts the sugar), works well on small areas with a dab of solder with plenty of plumbers flux. Creme brulea?? I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 OT: mmmm creme brulee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
integerspin Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Mine hasn't got a rad, 40 litre tank seems to do the job. However. I have chopped through the water cables twice. I wrapped them in self amalgamating tape and it seems to do the job; the first time i did it was in the early 90's so it works pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbkenn Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Ideally, silver-solder. Not particularly difficult to do. A small blowlamp silversolder and flux for it. Alternatively, you can get some Lloyds approved marine repair tape. It is moisture curing polyester and glass bandage. Even damp air cures it, but instructions say to wet the bandage before application. .. various widths and lengths. http://www.thistlebond.info/products/engin.../piperepair.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 [tuesday night] If you weren't so tight - you'd just buy a new bluddy pipe and stop trying to do a cheap botch-up. [/tuesday night] Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 How can I know when to pretend to be out if no-one warns me that its TTPOOAT??? You're probably right... In the end I squirted some of that 2-pack rad fix stuff from Halfrauds all over it (after closing up the gap & cleaning of course). Took a while to harden in the cold, and is yet untested as my friggin' coolant pump has now decided to leak as well. GRRR. Put ethylene glycol in your tig coolant people!!! (Actually I've heard arguments for doing so and not doing so, but after this, I will be doing so for evermore!) [or keep the tig in the living room where it belongs] Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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