While I was replacing my watet pump, I accidentally leaned on and snapped off the nipple on the right side (driver's side) of the radiatior. It's hard plastic and it appears to be the return to the coolant tank. I fear that I will need to replace the radiator - there's not enough left to put a hose over and clamp. I'll sebd a pic when I get home, but I figured that I would ask you fellas first!

 

Go to big box hardware store and buy a metal or nylon hose b*a*r*b and some JB Weld. If detemined, you can drill out the broken one, thread the opening with a tap, and glue in a threaded to hose-b-ar-b adapter. If drilling radiator, keep shop vac on the hole while working the plastic so shavings don't go inside. ** Added warning: BUT THIS IS ONLY A STOP GAP MEASURE until you can replace the plastic tank radiator. Watch for coolant leaks, and look at the temp gauge as often as safe to do so. Plastic tanks have bad habit of massive stress crack failures when they get old, may not be a weepy leak, may be Niagara.

 

I did the same think. The old radiator plastic is so brittle you didn't much pressure to break it. By a new rad, nothing will hold it that plastic that contracts and expands so much.

 

I did the same thing. The old radiator plastic is so brittle you didn't need much pressure to break it. By a new rad, nothing will hold it, that
plastic contracts and expands so much it will never stop leaking.

 

Boy I hope this works (read: I hope that I don't eff this up when I try) . I'm not relishing having to spend $300 on a radiator right now.

 

You can also get a radiator off one at the junk yard, might be in good enough shape to last until that year end bonus... Or a dismantler, if you can wait on the shipping.

 

I have a new one for sale

 

Is a cheap short term fix worth the cost of replacing your engine when it drops a sleeve.
If you can afford a $270 radiator, quit driving and save up for it, plastic repairs just don't work on an already brittle radiator tank.

 

As usual, right on the money. When you think about it, the nipple would not break off from routine handling, it had to be in a weak state. If it was that weak to start with, how would anyone replace hoses? On a older nylon (plastic) radiator tank, once a crack forms anywhere, and you repair it (plastic welding, or melting zip ties, or what ever other witchcraft) there is another area just waiting to crack.

My post would only be a repair to get you back home while keeping an eagle eye on the coolant temp.

 

SB, great idea, again. I took your advice, it buttoned up nicely. No leaks, despite my concern that drilling into that old plastic would cause microfractures.

Problem now, is that it runs very, rough. I'm gonna post my little "part 3" in a bit, to see if you guys can help diagnose.