[Vwdiesel] Broken Radiator Nipple

[James Hansen]

If you get to the cutting threads part, that epoxy putty machines well.
I would rough up the tank, and bond a blob of the magic stuff on first, then
drill and tap.
Being thicker, it will stabilize and guide the tap, making a better thread
when it gets to the tank.
-james

> -----Original Message-----
> From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]
> On Behalf Of Dave Cook
> Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2010 8:53 PM
> To: VW Diesel Group
> Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Broken Radiator Nipple
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> 
> 
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