What to do with an original leaking M radiator?

Marty from MN · Oct 6, 2009

Just trying to figure out if there is any value in an original M radiator ('51) that is leaking. I already bought a brand new replacement that is on the tractor. Now I have the old original.

Is it worth any more than scrap price? I imagine that it will need to be recored, haven't gotten an estimate on that, but can't imagine that it is cheap.

IH3688 · Oct 6, 2009

How bad is the leak? Also where are you located im MN. May be interested in the radiator! Thanks Kory

Ron in Nebr · Oct 6, 2009

Where/how bad is it leaking? As a kid I watch my grandad solder radiators all the time with a small handheld propane torch and a roll of solder.

If it's leaking someplace in the core, most any good radiator shop could probably fix it. We had a fan come off an 1116 New Holland swather one time and I could have sworn the radiator was WAY beyond repair, but our local radiator shop was able to fix it(had to crimp off and solder a few tubes but it still cooled fine) for about half what a used radiator cost.

Nebraska Cowman · Oct 7, 2009

Better check with the scap yards, it's probably worth more than you think. And chineese imports have ruined the repair business

mkirsch · Oct 7, 2009

The repair business was ruined long before the Chinese imports. Repair guys haven't wanted to actually repair radiators in about 25 years. All they seem to want to do is tell you that the radiator is a lost cause, and up until the last 5 years or so, sell you an obscenely expensive radiator manufactured in a Western nation that was just as cheapy constructed and fit just as poorly as the Chinese ones we can get now for half the price.

IMHO thank God for the Chinese. At least now we're paying for what we're getting.

Anonymous-0 · Oct 7, 2009

While corrosion may have ruined many radiators; many are salvagable. Solder where it leaks then put it under water with air pressure to check for weak spots but don't go over about 30 lbs or you'll make a few. Then drill holes for wires straight out from the tubes and carefully ream those out. Then solder the holes and flush it for a nice refurbished radiator that will cool well.

Marty from MN · Oct 7, 2009

Kory:

I live in Northern MN close to Cloquet, but am in the cities every week (unfortunately). I brought it to a radiator shop today just to get a quote. Just under $200 for repairing it.

Since I already have one on the tractor, I'm not going to spend the cash right now. What is it worth to you as is?

I can send you some pictures if you'd like to see the condition, might be a few days though. It currently at the radiator shop and I might not pick it up until early next week.

What to do with an original leaking M radiator?

Marty from MN

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IH3688

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Ron in Nebr

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Nebraska Cowman

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mkirsch

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Anonymous-0

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Marty from MN

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