Weeping radiator - plastic/metal crimped interface at top

[walty666]

Hi,
The crimped seam between the plastic top radiator manifold and metallic radiator body has developed a leak. It looks local to the front left as you look at it. Any idea as to whether I can reseal it or tighten up the crimps by tapping them with a flat head screwdriver and hammer? I'm on holiday 150 miles from home. There was a minor drip before we left which was so minuscule I stupidly ignored it. The LCA warned me of the problem this morning after making the journey down yesterday. The expansion tank has alway been at FULL but was down to LOW today. I've topped it up with a litre of deionised water and can keep doing this until I get it fixed or the radiators replaced.
Anyone know of any Bongo garages near Padstow?
Cheers
Ross

[winchman]

Mines just done the same, dropped it off at Wheelquick for a new one.
I would stick some Rad weld type stuff in it and keep an eye on it, I also have an engine temp alarm which is handy as I can see that the heads at the correct temp too.

[Northern Bongolow]

there is a 2-3mm round rubber seal full length between the sections. you could try crimping it gently, or put some liquid metal or epoxy over it.
this leak usually indicates that the stat is lazy and is running too hot, so a stat change may be a good idea when the rad is replaced.
ive usually found a leak here is fairly safe to drive with as any air getting in here is flushed through to the expansion tank but the coolant level will drop so keep a very close eye on your levels and never let the expansion tank go dry, or even below low.

[walty666]

Thanks folks. Not sure rad seal will work on plastic? I've got an engine block/low coolant alarm so will know if it gets bad. The leaking coolant looks clean and bright fluoro pink and the engine oil level looks fine with no signs of gunk/emulsion so fingers crossed it's not anything worse. I'll look into swapping the stat with the rad - where's the stat located?
Apparently there's a Bongo specialist near Newquay airport?

[David Edwards]

thats where it started on mine and I tried a few things but didnt work, gave in and bought a new one off evilbay, wasnt that expensive either and saved a lot or worry.

[Doone]

...where's the stat located?

The info ON THIS LINK will help.

[Diplomat]

To get out of trouble and get you home/to a new radiator, seal it with epoxy.

This happened to me away from base. I cleaned it thoroughly with methanol to ensure a non greasy surface and then used epoxy.

Check that the epoxy is rated for about 120C. Some say not for high temperature. I applied it with the rad hot but the expansion bottle cap loose to reduce the chance of seepage. As the engine cools, once you put the cap back on, suction occurs and some glue is sucked into the join. The heat also helps the epoxy set off faster.

Since returning home I used some of the twist together stick type epoxy to redo the entire seal and it has been fine ever since.

Only trouble is, what is the bottom seal like? I'm hoping that it is less likely to go as it must run cooler down there.

I'm not happy when I see this type of construction now. Many cars have radiators with plastic sides. Potential nightmare!


Frank