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6 On the
Trail Radiator Repair Tips
By Rick Webster -
4X4Review.com
For those of you
that do their 4-wheeling in some remote area or in some
vegetated sections that typically have tree limbs that poke
out, we comprised this list of a few simple tricks that can
fix a radiator leak (a small one) with out having to carry a
spare radiator with you. Additionally, the items that we
talk about here are the kind of things that you may already
have with you during a
4x4 outing or something you can get at your local store.
Radiator
Quick Fix #1 (Needle Nose Pliers):
This is one of the most common ways to fix a radiator leak,
although we find that this solution doesn't necessarily stop
the leak, but does slow it down enough to get it fixed more
permanently. The solution is simple but a bit messy. Find
the tube or tubes that have a pinhole or tear in them. Clear
away the cooling fins in the immediate area and cut the
tubes completely in half. Next, pinch and close about 1/2 to
3/4 of an inch of the tube on each side. (Make sure they are
as flat as you can make them) Finally, start rolling/folding
the tube over itself. For each fold, pinch and squeeze the
tube together. After about 2 or 3 folds, the tubes should be
sealed enough to either stop the leak or slow it to a very
slow drip.
Radiator
Quick Fix #2 (Bubble Gum):
When attempting to repair a small radiator leak, pinch off
the offending area as best you can and then chew a piece of
gum. When the gum gets good and soft pack it into the area
as tight as you can filling the air vents in the radiator
and the leak. Remove the radiator cap (this is the important
part) as to keep the radiator from building pressure and
drive carefully to
safety. While you may lose a bit of coolant from the
sloshing out the top, you will have enough to get you home.
This tip coutesy of the 1999 Mile Marker Atlas Challenge in
Morrocco Africa. Submitted by Jody Campbell
Radiator
Quick Fix #3 (Egg Whites):
Believe it or not, egg whites will stop most pinhole
radiator leaks. If you happen to have some eggs with you,
you can separate the yolks from the whites and add it to
your radiator. Typically it will take about 3 or 4 eggs
worth, but you may need to add more depending on the size of
your leak.
Radiator
Quick Fix #4 (Pepper):
Same as the "egg whites" trick, you can add pepper to your
radiator to fix a small leak. I usually carry some salt and
pepper in my recovery box... never know when you might get
stranded and have to eat a squirrel or something. In any
event, it will take about 1/2 a peppershaker's worth to fix
a leak. A really bad leak or multiple leaks may take more.
Radiator
Quick Fix #5 (Bars leaks):
In addition to carrying pepper in my recovery box, I try to
carry a small can of something called "Bars-Leaks". Some
people have referred to it as rabbit turds, as it resembles
a brownish, messy solution with brown, granular pellets
inside. The nice thing about this stuff is that it has a
lubricant in it as does Anti-Freeze, which is critical to
the life of the water pump.
Or
Silver Seal / Copper Seal - HD Radiator Stop Leak:
Another solution is a product called Silver Seal or Copper
Seal. Coming in a small plastic tube, this silver or copper
colored product looks like metal powder and works similar to
"Bars-Leaks".
Radiator
Quick Fix #6 (Low Pressure Radiator Cap):
If you can, carry a low-pressure radiator cap in your fix-it
box. A 7 p.s.i. unit with a pressure-relief valve will help
reduce the amount of pressure and strain on your temporary
fixes.
All of the above
tips should only be used temporarily. After you've made it
back to town, you should get your radiator fixed properly.
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