"Old" DeWitt Radiator Leaking

[Chuck G.]

I put probably one of the first DeWitt Aluminum "repro" radiators in my 63 about 8 years ago. It's their original style with the solid side tanks, not the stacked plates. The stacked plate design wasn't available when I bought it. It's developed a leak. I believe that the leak is most definitely within the core on the upper right under the upper hose. It could be the solder joint between the neck and the radiator proper. It most certainly is not the hose/clamp. Anyhow, I'm looking for a quick fix. I'll eventually replace it, but I would like to get through the summer. What's the consensus of the best "leak stop" product for aluminum radiators? I don't want to get involved removing it and trying to have is welded. I've "been there, done that" with several original Harrison radiators with very poor results. I would also hate to remove it, epoxy it, and have it start leaking again. All help appreciated. Thanks. Chuck #5629

[Bill Clupper]

Re: "Old" DeWitt Radiator Leaking

I've used an industrial epoxy "Hysol" epoxy patch successfully for about 30 years now. Started in '66 with a friends '60 top tank radiator-leaking in the side tanks- and have used if from that time on. Needs a clean dry surface, but works well!

[Daniel W.]

Re: "Old" DeWitt Radiator Leaking

Chuck- I am sure you are going to get many responses on this topic; here is my 2 cents. My Toyota engine developed a leak from the head at 50000 miles, leaking externally down the block and onto the garage floor. The head gasket had given out and the warranty had elapsed, naturally. Upon the advise of a co-worker, I installed Bar's Leaks. Ran the engine as directed for approximately 30 minutes, returned home and could hear steam leaking out of the head/block joint. At that time, I was prepared to pull the engine and rebuild it. Arose the next morning to find no water/coolant on the floor of the garage. Drove the vehicle for 95000 miles more when I opted to rebuild due to oil consumption.

Since my initial use of this product, I have used it on about 6 other vehicles with radiator leaks. All have been successful.

[dale pearman]

Re: "Old" DeWitt Radiator Leaking

Bars Leaks is mighty good stuff. The shade-tree guys here in Tennessee dump two small cans of McCormic's ground black pepper into the radiator and they claim that it does the trick. I wonder how the water pump bearing likes this? Oh well its sealed so I guess the pepper won't hurt it. If it did, these guys wopuldn't use it.

Dale.