Leaky radiator. What's my best option?

The radiator on my 50 Chevy is leaking. It appears to be one spot where the tank and core meet and one spot at the bottom near or at the outlet hose. The leaks are not gushing water but kind of weeping. I know I have a few options but I'm sure some of you have experience at this and am wondering what is the best direction to procee. I kinda feel that these are my choices:

1. Thake it and get the leaks repaired. I have no idea what this will cost. Also it is a 60 year old radiator. Will it start leakinf somewhere else tomorrow?

2. Get it recored. Once again I'm not sure of the cost. If it is big $$ I may be well on my way to the cost of a new radiator.

3. Buy a new radiator. National Chevy has them for about $400.00
Alot of money right now. But if it is my best option I will go with it.
I kinda want to take care of this once and for all.

4. The make the Barrs leak stuff. I have never used it before. I just have this huge mental block about putting something in my engine that is designed to clog **** up.

As alway thanks for you help. Todd

 

dont do #4!

 

I would drive it till the leaks are bigger but since you didn't give that option-

#2 get a quote from the local radiator shop. If that price is out of line go with #3. Don't do #4

 

That goop is tolerable if you're a hundred miles from home and she springs a leak. Otherwise, take it out and solder it, or get someone to do it. If it's all green and crumbly, a recore will be in your future, or even a new rad. Any of that rad fix gunk will screw your heater, due to the smaller cores and reduced flow.

 

If it is not clogged up, have repaired at a radiator shop.

 

take it and get it fixed.

not that expensive, and you wont have to worry


if its junk they will tell ya.

typically the solder just cracks after awhile. if its all corroded looking then be ready for a recore, or new

skull

 

go to the hardware store. buy flux and some soft solder. clean it real well, flux it heat it lightly with torch and solder it up. super easy

 

Last one I had fixed cost me around $25.

 

Thanks for all the advice so far. The condition in side seems OK. My friend Dom (52HardTop) still has his old radiator that he pulled for an aluminum one. He may turn me onto it. Todd

 

I'm with the man pull it out get a bicycle inner tube cut it in half clamp it to both ends put some pressure on it and see where it leaks clean and solder.

 

I would have it repaired,The barsleak does work but temporary.

 

Solder it.

 

Pull it out and have it repaired and you'll have peace of mind and not have to worry about it. Its not going to get any better and fix its self.

 

Hey Bro! if you need a quick fix and it will last longer than you will believe use pepper.

 

Black pepper
Oatmeal
Eggs
Bacon--------------Oh wait, Not breakfast---Sorry

 

Solder. Maybe it springs more leaks and you have to go further, or just solder them.

Solder will work and it's cheap and easy.

 

Go to the home depot ,get the soldering kit(in plumbing dept) and get to it.You will never learn anything unless you jump in and go for it,I did...married now for 26 yrs,3 grown kids...never mind that advice.Take it to a shop!

 

You can do it right, or do it over. Take it out and take it to a radiator shop.

 

If its the original radiator,replace it for $400 or you can just end up side the road with more than just a small leak.Common sense is better used alot of the time. good luck!

 

Here is a quick fix. Get yourself a potato. Cut about a 1/8 inch slice. When radiator is hot place potato slice press hard at leak. This will last a few months. Sounds crazy but it works.