Suggestions on radiator repair

[griff]

I have a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST which has had a chronic radiator leak. I have pulled the radiator and am looking for ways to repair the leak, which I think is where a tube attaches to the side reservoir of the radiator. I am aware of the outfit in Utah which repairs radiators, but am looking for some one local here in NW Indiana. Anyone have any repair techniques they have used themselves (other than adding stuff to the coolant) that have worked successfully for a permanent repair?

 

[El Toro Joe]

Radiator repair shop?

 

[jefferskn]

I had a 99 Triumph Sprint ST that developed a leak on one of the necks that a hose attaches too. The aluminum is so thin that it takes a a really good aluminum welder to fix. I took the radiator to a radiator shop and they were able to weld on a new hose neck on the radiator, clean the radiator out and pressure test it. It was much cheaper than buying a new one. I also developed a pin hole leak in my FJR radiator last year where the after market rock guard rubbed on it. I brought the radiator into the same radiator shop and they fixed the pin hole, cleaned it out and pressure tested. Also, way cheaper than a new/used radiator and I know the one I have is structurally sound. Your probably looking at about $100 but much cheaper than a new one and they usually go through the radiator and check it over after the repair.

 

[griff]

Took it to a local guy here that says he can fix and pressure test it for $50. We'll see. A new one costs $550

and one I just saw on ebay was $200, so I have my fingers crossed this guy can repair it easily.

 

[jefferskn]

Good luck. Radiator repair guys can do incredible things with really thin aluminum. I originally tried to fix my Sprint radiator with a torch and one of those aluminum welding rods. I sure made it alot worse.

 

[Mr. BR]

The place in Utah is Myler's Radiator.... aka https://www.motorcycleradiators.com.

I've used them twice with good results as I couldn't find anyone local that was close enough or I felt could do the repair.

My ST1100 had a pin-hole leak on the side tank. Had local guy fix it but I'm not sure what he used... some sort of epoxy is my guess... lasted about a year. Sent Rad to Mylers and for about $100, they clean, bead-blast, repair (weld) and pressure tested it. The leak had a nice little blob of weld over it and problem solved. When I bought my '05 FJR earlier this year, my radiator was out of square due the original owner's low-side on the right. This was evident by the bottom mounting bracket was not centered in that little notch in the chin fairing. Sent rad to Mylers for straightening and a cleaning... all good. They do the work quickly.... sometimes too quickly as they once forgot to do a minor fix I had requested. No big deal.. just be specific with them on what you want. Yes, you have to box up your Rad and ship it to them but is easier for me to do that vs trying to find someone local.

Regards,

Mr. BR

 

[griff]

Thanks Mr. BR. We'll see how smart I was having a local guy do it, rather than Myler's. I pick it up tomorrow.