Ed -
I am given to understand that aged coolent can actually become the reason the
joints fail. The tank can be re-soldered easily with a propane or acetolene
only torch. But I would take it to the radiator shop. The shop I use first
strips the paint, then unsolders all joints, inspects everything, resolders,
and paints it anew. A B radiator that needed nothing more cost me $60 while the
radiator for my A coupe, which needed an entire new core and petcock, cost
$265. I hate cooling problems so I send radiators out.
And beware the hazmat team if you do it yourself. They don't like radiators or
coolent.
Ernest
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From: Ed McCarroll <EMCCARROLL@magnum.mco.edu>
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 1996 11:32 AM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: MGA Radiator
During the cold weather I start up the MGA several times a week
to keep its systems limber. While doing this recently I
noticed that after the car had warmed up coolant-wise, that
there was leakage at several different solder joints on the header
tank. The coolant is well able to stand the cool temperatures
we have had recently and there has been no freezing of the
mixture. Two questions: Do solder joints 'fatigue' after
a long period of expansion and contraction of the metals the bond?
And, if I am successfull in repairing the joints, can a radiator
shop strip the too many coats of black paint from the radiator
so that I can re-paint it to look more presentable? Is there
a way to paint strip it oneself?
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