cast iron radiator has small cracks - can they be fixed?

John Shea

Whatever epoxy is used, the crack will need to be grinded or 'dug out' for it to hold. I haven't used Devcon on radiators but on automotive castings(engine & components). looks like they've got some newer products that may be even better suited.

pretty neat product here:
http://www.devcon.com/devconcatsolution.cfm?catid=17

As for welding, it may need to be brazed. If you have the means, you could take the rad a local welding shop. shouldn't cost too much.

Let us know what happens!

ed_28

cast iron radiator has small cracks - can they be fixed?

HI - we recently had a cast iron radiator sand blasted to clean of the many layers of paint and had it repainted in aluminum. To our dismay the radiator now has a few hairline cracks in it. Do you know if these can be repaired? This radiator is close to 6' long. If it cannot do you have suggestions to find a replacement?

Thanks,

Ed
LI, NY

jeff_51

they may be just surface cracks

put and air test on it. Is this a steam or hot water system. If it is hot water, you can always try boiler seal. If it is steam, try JB weld or like product. I'm not much of a steamhead, others here may have better suggestions when it comes to steam, but do an air test first. About 25psi will do for hot water, won't need more than about 5psi for steam since you shouldn't be running more than 2psi.

Mad Dog_2

Jeff is right ed

Air or ateast a water test. Are they even leaking - may not be. There are a lot of good epoxy that can work. Mad Dog

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John Shea

one that we've used that works well...

Devcon

ed_28

Thanks for the responses!

Yes these small cracks do leak. When I had the plumber reconnect this radiator to our bioler/hot water system they leaked - slowly, but still leaked. Maybe the Devcon will work-haven't tried it yet. I would hate to lose this radiator. There's got to be a way to fix it. I haven't contacted a welder yet, but they would have to come to the house to repair it. Does that seem feasible?

Thanks.

jeff_51

very difficult to weld cast iron

I know it is possiable to weld CI, but as you suggested, you will have to talk to a good and I mean good welder