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[Humpy]

A mate has a 2.5CDX estate '99 just before the facelifts and the rad's developed a bit of a leak. Now it's not in the core itself, there's a minute hole in the plastic part what would be the header tank on an old rad, just in front of where the top hose sits. Can this be repaired or is time for a replacement?
I wondered about the good old Rad Weld stuff but is that a good idea in modern engines? Or can the plastic be repaired with something like a hot knife to weld it up? Thanks.

Humpy

[rustym95]

would put some plastic filler in the hole, or leak fix filler can handel the heat and pressure. come in a tube with hardner, clean the hole and put the paste in the hole after mixing, take about 20min to dry, hardens like metal.

[Richard A]

Only thing todo is replace the 'rad', the plastic is 'funny' stuff and due to the coolant being under pressure I have not found a sealant that works.
Forum members maybe able to offer 'second-hand' rather than new rad.
Good luck.
regards
richard a

[tunnie]

you might get away with using something like araldite on it it, but due to the heat & pressure, not sure how long it would last

[dbug]

If its only a small hole try melting it together with careful use of a soldering iron - have done this before successfully on plastic "header" part of a radiator.

[Gaffers]

Dbugs suggestion is the only one that will work and only if the hole is small.  you will not get any filler that will adhere to the plastic on a rad.  There are many breaker son here that will sell you one for very little and changing it is a 30min job

[Justdave]

Is it really worth the hassle, the only true cure is a rad change, be it taking a chance on a second hand unit or replacing with new / reconditioned, a rad sealant may well be a short term fix but any sealant will only clog up the water ways eventually - pay now don't pay later !!
Good luck whatever way you decide to go   

[Humpy]

Thanks for all the advice lads. I did try some Rad Weld but it didn't work so.....

See my plea within the wanted section!!!

Humpy