Radiator repair if any

Palmerroid · Jan 20, 2016

Has anyone successfully repaired the plastic neck on the bottom of the radiator? I guess I had a limb come up from underneath and cracked the neck where the radiator hose connects. It's right at the base of the neck where the main radiator is. It cracked at the bottom and about three inches to each side. Will permatex or JBWeld work on this plastic? A new radiator is really expensive. The tractor may be newer than that because I can't find a aftermarket one anywhere. Is there anywhere that I could buy just the bottom plastic tank? You would think that it would be a must that dealers put removable skid plates on any tractor of this size. A mostly rotten limb ended up doing this damage. I've been in a custody cas with my ex,, so I don't have the money just to buy a new one. Any help would be appreciated!!

Steave · Jan 21, 2016

I don't know of any DIY fixes but I'm sure there is some. Radiator shops repair the plastic ones but you'd have to remove the radiator. I bought a new radiator for my little truck because of a leak where the plastic meets the metal then I found out later that it could be repaired. I thought they were disposable. Might go on you tube to find a way to repair it yourself ? Hope you get it going cheaply.

Xfaxman · Jan 21, 2016

Here is a recent thread that might help: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/350419-need-repair-pin-hole-leak.html

I recommended 3M 5200

JJZ 109 · Jan 21, 2016

I wonder if Bondic or any of that type of plastic repair would work?
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Stimw · Jan 21, 2016

I would ONLY use a two part epoxy type adhesive for the repair and make sure it is perfectly clean (use acetone or brake clean) and scuff up the surface.
Also use some kind of mesh to re-enforce the repair.
Remove it for best access and make sure to do it in a warm place allowing for cure time.

Coyote machine · Jan 21, 2016

JJZ 109 said:
I wonder if Bondic or any of that type of plastic repair would work?
Shop Bondic | BondicUSA

This product seems like it would work best, because it is a plastic welder, NOT a glue. Welding is the only way to repair some plastics. I have used industrial plastic welders in the past, and I'm certain the technology today is way improved since then.
You'd have to get the mating surfaces absolutely clean of any antifreeze, or whatever you use to fix the radiator will fail to hold.