Radiator hose "snapped"

[Omnipotent]

Well as the description says, was out clearing some brush and started smelling radiator fluid, checked and found this:

Closer inspection revealed this:

As you can see, the plastic part of the lower radiator, clean snapped off and is still in the hose. My guess is the only option is replace the radiator, but figure I'd check here first before buying something.

One last photo showing the broken opening on the radiator:

For the record, this is a Bobcat CT335....I don't think that matters but figured I'd throw it out there.

 

[Citydude]

My game plan would be cleaning taking the fitting out of the hose and cleaning both areas where it snapped off and glue it.

JB weld makes a good epoxy for plastic. I punched a hole in a plastic diesel can 5 years ago and used it. Still performing and frankly stronger than the plastic itself.

 

[gstrom99]

You'll NEVER clean it good enough for any kind of "glue", including JB. A radiator shop may be able to "weld" it, but I doubt it. A new one is in order, I believe.

 

[DonRybak]

I agree with gstrom99. It's not worth the risk of over heating your machine by having the repair give away while you are working away from the house.

 

[dirttoys]

You'll NEVER clean it good enough for any kind of "glue", including JB. A radiator shop may be able to "weld" it, but I doubt it. A new one is in order, I believe.

No disrespect to City, but, this has been my experience as well. Mine would hold until I jumped off for five minutes and overheat.............

Best,

ed

 

[Citydude]

I understand the concern of an epoxy attempt to fix the radiator. Ordering a new one and keeping the old repaired one is an idea. Snapping it off again is a possibility since it's plastic.

 

[kevin37b]

Glue , you must be kidding !

 

[Carl_NH]

Is there enough meat left in the plastic to drill a clean hole and tap then thread in a brass fitting?

The other option is to take to a radiator repair shop and they may be able to remove the tank and add a bulkhead fitting in place of this connection.

 

[Omnipotent]

I was thinking the tapping idea....not sure how that would work in the radiator as it "seems" to be plastic, at least at that connection point. New OEM radiator = $1000...Bobcat is crazy, but I might be stuck. I'll pull the radiator and see what I'm working with...maybe a shop has some ideas then again, need to find a radiator shop near me, lol.

Thanks all

 

[FordnMassey]

Hi,
Have you checked out the thread of that nearby drainage tap?
Consider removing the tap and fitting the hose onto there. Then closing the hole where the hose snapped off with a bulkhead fitting or drilling, tapping and screwing in a plug.

 

[Citydude]

Glue , you must be kidding !

Well, if your an Elmers fan, this makes sense.

 

[Carl_NH]

It's plastic likely HDPE - I like FordMassey's idea too using the drain plug if its big enough to support the flow?

Looks like a 1/2 or 3/4" line? And yes a radiator shop is the first stop I agree. $1K is a lot - check Kioti too - they made this model correct? Is it a cab model with AC/Heat and is this line for the heat?

 

[kevin37b]

I got it smartass .

 

[Omnipotent]

Definitely an option worth looking into, thanks for the suggestion.

No cab, no heat....didn't follow the line all the way through, but I'm guessing just into the block.

 

[Carl_NH]

No cab, no heat....didn't follow the line all the way through, but I'm guessing just into the block.

Check with your dealer or mechanic for the purpose of that line/connection as it would seem to be a recirc or heater line feed.

If not needed, then get the port and pipe removed and plugged both sides.

 

[ruffdog]

Is there enough meat left in the plastic to drill a clean hole and tap then thread in a brass fitting?

The other option is to take to a radiator repair shop and they may be able to remove the tank and add a bulkhead fitting in place of this connection.

Yeah, for $1K I think I would be looking at the drill/tap/fitting option that includes a high grade epoxy surrounding it.

 

[5030]

The lower tank is structural fiber and not repairable

 

[nyone]

The lower tank is structural fiber and not repairable

This is what I was thinking too. It's not just plain old plastic like some stated. It also has to hold roughly 10-15psi.

 

[crashz]

Can you replace the lower tank only? That might be the best compromise.

$1000 is a lot of dough, but the replacement is easy and risk is low. Making some questionable repair could get costly in a hurry and could risk killing your engine. Stupid things have a way of snowballing into disasters.

 

[flyerdan]

I think what I'd do is rough the area up around the hole and the broken part, then clean everything good. Superglue the part back in, just to hold it in the right position, and then layer some fiberglass cloth and resin around the area, going up the outlet to where the hose ends. About three layers worth, and maybe figure out a shield to keep stuff away in the future.