soldering a radiator..

mike paulson · Nov 14, 2010

hey guy's i have to solder my radiator, any pointers, torch or iron, and what type of torch solder etc, in this age of throw away radiators i wanna make sure i do this right....

tractorsam · Nov 14, 2010

I've done a few with mixed success. I've never had any luck with leaking tubes but do fairly well with the tanks. The only words of advice I have is to make sure it's really clean. Once you think it's clean start cleaning again and then maybe you'll be getting close. I usually use a propane torch and solider solder with a paste flux. Sam

Jeff Z. · Nov 14, 2010

The best thing to do is to talk to a radiator repair shop for info.
They can help with cleaning.
Cleaning is the main thing.

Michael Soldan · Nov 14, 2010

You need "cut acid", if you don't have it you will never solder it with success. You need muriatic acid and you can make the cut with magnesium

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Nov 14, 2010

The solder you want is "acid core" type. The cleaner you can get the area to be soldered the better. Cleaning includes removing as much corrosion as possible. A small stainless steel bristle brush works pretty well. If the repair is on a tank, sanding works well to shine up the base metal. Irons typically are too small to get enough heat to fully melt the solder. A small propane torch works well.

LenND · Nov 14, 2010

I have done a few repair jobs. Make sure the area is clean and then clean it again. Use a small propane torch as you don't need too much heat.Make sure you don't get the area too hot or you may have to start all over.

Zachary Hoyt · Nov 14, 2010

I poked a hole in one tube in the back of the radiator of my MF35 yesterday. I ran over a pine branch about 1" in diameter while backing up and it somehow poked up in there. I had to remove the radiator and carry it about 3/4 mile through woods and hayfields and over a stream to get it out to the buildings. I used a soldering iron because that was what I had. I pinched the tube shut and cleaned the area carefully, blew it dry with a hair dryer and melted the solder on. My first try leaked a bit when I filled it with water so I soldered again and it was good. I carried the radiator back to the tractor and put it on and it worked fine the rest of the day loading logs and again today with no leaks yet. I think it was just beginner's luck. I used some old lead solder since that was what I had and it was not a potable application. I guess you really do learn something new every day.
Zach

Janicholson · Nov 14, 2010

With respect, and 50 years experience soldering, Use a propane torch with a soldering copper on the end of it or you will likely make oxides on the copper. Concentrated heat from a copper tip is dramatically better in keeping other parts of the radiator from becoming desoldered. A 250 to 350 copper/electric iron is a favorite. Clean clean clean, then use acid core and do not over heat. Clean the flux off after soldering. Jim

Brownie 450 · Nov 15, 2010

There are HUGE differences in solder. I will use only Kester acid core solder on radiators. When repairing tubes, it is hard to get them clean enough. Using a points file & a small round wire brush to clean up the tube seems to help.

soldering a radiator..

mike paulson

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tractorsam

Well-known Member

Jeff Z.

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Michael Soldan

Well-known Member

Brian Jasper co. Ia

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LenND

Well-known Member

Zachary Hoyt

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Janicholson

Well-known Member

Brownie 450

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