Radiator question

I thought I would go out and sand on some of the panels on my 47 Chevy today. I looked over and noticed that the upper 1/4 of my radiator looked wet. I put a pressure tester on it and went back to sanding. About an 1/2 hour later I could see a small amount of fluid on the fins but could not tell where it was coming from exactly. The pressure tester did not drop (yet) so the hole is very small. So question is, do you think a radiator shop will be able to find the hole or will I need to get a new one?

 

I'd try this first.

http://www.barsproducts.com/barsleaks_products.htm

 

Or dump some pepper in it. If its just a pin hole I wouldn't sweat it at all. bars leak or pepper either one will probably cure it.

 

A minor pinhole won't be a problem, but if you're paranoid like me, you'll yank the radiator and drop it off at a rad shop. I had a small leak that didn't seem to get any worse after about a week. I had a long drive coming up and didn't want to sit on the side of the road so I dropped it off at the rad shop and they took the tanks off, fixed the pinhole, rodded out the core, and resealed the tanks all for $80.

 

X2, I hate radiator problems so I don't chance it.

 

Thanks guys.

 

My experience is that large holes begin as small ones. Fix it right.

Bob

 

Thats what I believe I need to do. I just didn't know if a shop could find a hole that small. All I see is moister and do not see where it is coming from.

 

They'll pressurize it with air and submerse it in the test tank. Easy to see the bubbles rising.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob. Off to the radiator shop....

 

Good choice,,,,,better than the side of the road this summer watching steam coming out from under the hood