[Vwdiesel] Broken Radiator Nipple

[Dave Cook]

Brian makes a good point below, however I like to try to repair things if possible instead of replace, as this is generally cheaper.  And I could stand to spend a little less money at this point.  (Though I do understand the penny-wise/pound-foolish point.)

To answer other questions/comments:
It is a plastic-capped radiator.  Car has 165,000 miles.  

Since sending that email, I think I have thought of many of the suggestions.  

I thought about cutting threads into a piece of copper pipe as well as the radiator, and I've thought of various epoxies and glues.  I am not sure that the plastic on the end cap is thick enough to grab real well.

I think my course of action will be this:

Clean it all up and super glue it on.  (Super glue is a cyanocrylate.)  Then I will build up a nice mound of epoxy all around it to provide further support.  Then I'll fill it up and get the car nice and hot.

If that works, I'll keep an eye on it and consider a new radiator down the line.  I have AAA.  :)

If not, then I will look further at  cutting threads.  Maybe I can open the hole a bit, and mound a bunch of epoxy on it, then shove the threaded replacement in there.  That would squish some epoxy into the inside and seal along the threads.

Failing that, I can buy a new radiator later I guess.

If it breaks and I toast the engine, I guess that might solve the conundrum of which vehicle gets the diesel engine...  :)

BTW, I am considering getting rid of the Cabriolet; I talked to a guy down the street who expressed interest in trading their Landrover Discovery for it.  If I do that, then the bus would be the only candidate.  

Dave Cook


--- On Mon, 8/30/10, Brian and Ruth Decker <decker at toledotel.com> wrote:

> Hi Dave;
>     You don't mention how old the car is or
> how many miles it has on it
> but the fancy aluminum and plastic radiators are kind of
> throw-away any-how.
> Perhaps it is time for a shiny new one. If your patched on
> nipple gives way
> and you don't notice it till your engine is over heated how
> much does it
> cost for a new engine? Radiators are relatively cheap. Save
> 100 bucks spend
> 3000.
> Brian Decker
> A1 cars are good A2-3-4 I'm not sure