Radiator Repair

Mike Bash

I have a customer that moved out of their house. Long story short the heat went off and several radiators cracked. I was able to repair the plumbing and heating pipes. I just capped off the cracked radiators for now.

My question is, is it possible to take these apart and replace the cracked sections with one from a different one? I think that we could save a few of them if we could do this. I am sure someone could do it, but how hard is it? Can you pull it back together with the rods or does it need pressed with something else?

Years ago I worked with someone that did this with cast iron baseboard but these are the big old radiators.

If we can repair a few of them and need to get one or two more, does someone still sell these?

Thanks!!

Mike T., Swampeast MO

If the rads have those connecting rods it's definitely possible to repair--either by replacing the broken sections or even JB Weld on small cracks. BTW, I've had perfect success repairing such cracks with JB Weld when they are NOT on a natural "seam" in the molding; zero success when they are.

Hardwood (like oak--forget spruce/pine/fir) wedges cut along the length of the grain are very useful to separate. With a long lever (like the handle of a 36" pipe wrench) you can separate them with a quick, firm jerk once you get the knack.

If attempting a repair with JB Weld, clean the surface very well--remove all paint/rust, abrade and clean with a fast-evaporating solvent.

Usually enough play to pull 2-4 separated areas together with the rods. If you have to do more, just use fully threaded rods. While technically not necessary, I use a light bead of pure silicon around the high part (near the center) of the nipples when putting back together.

Bill Jirik,

Radiator repair

If the end sections are ok and the radiators have threaded tie rods, you can remove the tie rods and seperate the sections with a hydraulic port-power, you might have to heat an individual section once disassembled with a torch at the push nipple and then pull out the push nipple with a slide hammer, then reassemble the good sections leaving out the bad ones, seal the push nipples with silicone rubber sealant, end result a usable radiator just short the bad sections.