Radiator Filler Neck Fracture

[JeffW]

Hi all

In my continuing attempts to keep the parts suppliers in profit, I over-tightened my radiator neck filler plug and promptly fractured the base of the neck. Of course I checked here after the fact and noted many wise posts about not doing such a moronic thing, so I have learned my lesson.

Only question is whether the rad is repairable. It's new from July so in good shape other than the coolant pouring from the neck. I have ordered a new one as I am not capable of soldering/welding to the skill level needed.

If not then so be it.

Thanks

Jeff

[wilf]

Any radiator repair/rebuild shop should be able to refit that neck for you.

They exist in most towns.

[MandM]

Hi any rad repair place local to you can repair that easily at a fraction of the cost of a new radiator,so save your money and get it repaired. And buy a shorter spanner!

[MandM]

Viking radiators,Uxbridge, from google

[JeffW]

Thanks all! Will check it out asap.

[ReddiStag]

Had the same on mine. It was missing the rubber o-ring and a p.o./garage had just tightened the plug too far.

A DIY option is JB Weld - but make sure the area is totally clean otherwise it won't 'take'. Depending on where the fracture is this can be a tad awkward but it's useful stuff.

[JeffW]

Thanks Reddi. Mine is pretty much the whole bottom of the neck, so I think I will get it professionally repaired. Somehow MandM knew I used a long spanner so I think he may be spying on my depressingly amateur DIY work!

[Guest]

With an o ring fitted it just needs a gentle nip, do not hang off it with a pair of stilsons!

[wilf]

Interesting - mine came with a fibre washer, not an O ring - should I change it?

I do have to tighten it quite a bit to seal with that fibre washer...................

[StagnJag]

I once decided to do a coolant change in my Stag while at a mates house, a good hours drive from home and on a Sunday afternoon and I needed to be home for work the following day. In the process of removing the bottom hose from the Rad which was stuck fast we managed to break the solder between the boss and the radiator end tank!
After the panic had subsided a bit my mate managed to borrow solder, flux and a blowtorch from a neighbour. We whipped the rad out and spent the next hour or so learning how to solder! It took several attempts, but we ended up with a good joint and it has lasted at least 2 or 3 years now, so it is possible to DIY repair if you are feeling brave enough!

The biggest problem I had was stupidly grabbing hold of the bottom hose after we had reassembled everything to check for leaks with the engine running. The fan took a considerable amount of skin from my knuckles!

Rgds

Dave

[ReddiStag]

Interesting - mine came with a fibre washer, not an O ring - should I change it?

I do have to tighten it quite a bit to seal with that fibre washer...................

I guess the fibre washer would need replacing at some point anyway so I'd go with the rubber o-ring option then. I got one when I fitted the h.t. as the top elbow was pointing the wrong way otherwise, and the o-ring gives some adjust-ability.

The block drain plugs have fibre washers and I believe it's recommended to replace them every time you do a full drain of the system.

Neil

[redstag]

I guess the fibre washer would need replacing at some point anyway so I'd go with the rubber o-ring option then. I got one when I fitted the h.t. as the top elbow was pointing the wrong way otherwise, and the o-ring gives some adjust-ability.

The block drain plugs have fibre washers and I believe it's recommended to replace them every time you do a full drain of the system.

Neil

Was originally a plastic washer, I have a fibre one on mine now.

Pete

[JeffW]

With an o ring fitted it just needs a gentle nip, do not hang off it with a pair of stilsons!

That's where I made my mistake. I used an impact wrench. Lesson learned

[DJT]

I use one of these, but bought from B&Q: http://www.ldparts.co.uk/shop/shop.p...6860d6260ea912 Other plumbing supply sources are available.

[GDPR]

Another one for you - Aaron Radiators in Croydon - excellent blokes, recently recored a 67 S Type radiator for me for an excellent price, and if you ask them nicely, they may collect and deliver in their little white van