So I was check out the top of my Radiator the other day. And I see 6 bubbling pin holes. They are in the top of the radiator, and seem to be just tiny little cracks. So how do I fix them, solder?

Radiator shop or just buy a new one. Cooling is vitally important to your engine life. Don't scrimp... :eek: I had something like that in my old m38. Took it to the radiator shop and they boiled it out. After that, it looked like swiss cheese, there were so many little pin holes in it. It was just about ready to blow out completely. No fixing that one. Just bought a new unit... :D

Rebuild it or new rad time.

Take it to a good shop and they will flow test it.
They should report to you a % restricted...
If it has been restricted for awhile the core will have started seperating from the tanks.

I just had my rad rebuilt with new core and reinforced hose connections. I think it was about $80. The new one was only slightly more but didn't have the reinforced areas.

Ok thats great but I don't have $80 dollars I do have a soildering iron and some soilder.

OK. It can work but you have bigger problems.

How about looking for a spare in the junkyard?

Originally posted by Cryslr
Ok thats great but I don't have $80 dollars I do have a soildering iron and some soilder.

Solder is great for a trail fix but Glenn is right- replace it. We had a situation this weekend down at Hollister Hills where a Scout (jdjanda) decided to eat a radiator. The fan cut through numerous tubes and coolant was leaking everywhere. Solder was our ONLY choice. The trail fix got allowed Joe to continue playing and got him home in good shape.

He'll be replacing the radiator!

Why is there a bigger problem???

Originally posted by Cryslr
Why is there a bigger problem???

Could be. When you solder tubes, you reduce the cooling capacity because you end up closing the tubes off.

In your case. What you described sounds like stress cracks. My guess is that the radiator is old and, at least, needs a pressure test. Soldering the cracks in the tank will probably get you by for a while. But, in the long run, a professional rebuild would be my recommendation.

Your bigger problem is why do you have pin holes?

I don't like speaking doom and gloom but when you start springing leaks that signals that the radiator is probably about ready to fall apart - like Glenn's experience with having his flushed when he found those leaks - many more leaks!

Your radiator is suffering from internal corrosion at the least.... You could have flow problems and other nasty stuff from incorrect pH in your fluid.

DO NOT flush in any fashion if you plan on trying to fix the leaks.

Thanks for the help. It's in a 94 runner so not that old. I'm think stress cracks since I was doing some snow jummping awhile back.

Throw a 1/4 cup of pepper in there and be done with it, no more leaks :D