re-joining radiator fins

Jerry_19

I have a radiator with about 16 fins that i took apart.When i reassemble the fins together will plumbers dope be sufficient enough to make a good seal or should i use a cement or epoxy type compound?

Unknown

Jerry,

Do you mean "sections"? like in a CI one?

Jerry_19

radiator fins

i believe so.they are joined together at top and bottom of each section(accordian like).they are in 16 sections.i was told that pipe thread compound could be used and was just looking for a second opinion.

Unknown

Jerry,

they likely seal together with a slightly tapered "push- nipple", and a big long bolt holds them all(sections) together, one at the top, and bottom, right? I`m not sure about pipe-dope, but I`ve usually used a little bit of dry graphite, like the stuff you put in padlocks(if you can find-it), and just mix-it with a little clean motor oil into a thick paste, and brush it all around the nipple, then assemble. You won`t need much.
Dave

MIke_Jonas

Good idea on mixing the graphite with the motor oil, I'll have to rememeber that! (Does it smell on start-up?)
Anyway, you can buy the powdered grahite in small and medium size bottles at any NAPA store, I'm not talking about the small tubes for door locks, either. You can also buy big cans of it from supply houses, like McMaster-Carr. I use it all the time on all kinds of stuff.

Unknown

spicoli

It might smell a little on start-up, but he should only need a little.

Jim Bennett

Hi Jerry

I have only done this once but it was successful. I removed a bad section from a radiator, inspected the push nipples, saw no pitts or corrosion so I coated them with Rectorseal and reassembled.

It has been working for 5+ years so far. I tested it before reinstalling.

As far as the graphite goes, you can buy paste graphite, or at least you could. Last can I bought was 20 years ago, don't use it much.

If you need new push nipples, I think there is an article on this site in the Tech Tips section with the address of a supplier.

Good luck,

Jim

Jamie Hall

Red RTV

If the push nipples are rusted (bet they are) you can run a thin right of the red RTV used for automobile engines around just outside them and then push it together. Works great.

John N

You can use the sealant if you want

But it's not really necessary. Just see that the push nipples are smooth, not badly rusted, pitted, or deeply scratched and the same goes for the hole into which the nipple inserts. Then draw the radiator back together with the threaded rods. If you've got a lot of sections to put back together, get some threaded rod at your local hardware store--the same diameter as originally used on the rad--cut them to the length you need and you can draw up a few sections at a time. Once you've gotten it to the point that there are only two pieces to put together, the original rods should be long enough. When you're drawing it up, be sure the bosses (where the sections come together) are all touching. I've made repairs to lots of radiators, both steam and hot water, and never had a leak. Push nipples can be had at Oneida County Boiler Works, Utica, NY. www.onlineboiler.com Ask for Bob if you call!