61 aluminum radiator repair

[Richard F.]

I have a 61 with an aluminum radiator that is clean and does not need replacing. Recently it has developed some pinhole leaks in the radiator itself (coolant not yet hitting garage floor). Short of a new Dewitts replacement, I'm looking for a "stop leak" product that could seal these small holes, but without the fear that the cooling system would become restricted and/or blocked like Barrs Leak allegedly does. Any thoughts.............

[Dale E.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

GM has a stop leak product, a packet of 3 pellets that I have heard works well. Naturally I don't have a part number, sorry

[Jim L.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

I have a 61 with an aluminum radiator that is clean and does not need replacing. Recently it has developed some pinhole leaks in the radiator itself (coolant not yet hitting garage floor). Short of a new Dewitts replacement, I'm looking for a "stop leak" product that could seal these small holes, but without the fear that the cooling system would become restricted and/or blocked like Barrs Leak allegedly does. Any thoughts.............

If the radiator is "thin" in some obvious areas, it's almost certainly "thin" in other areas. IMHO, you would be well served by biting the bullet and ordering a new DeWitt radiator instead of trying to bandaid the one you have.

[Terry D.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

Agree with Jim, very doubtful that is the only bad area. With a new one you won't have to worry that it might spring a big leak going down the road!

[Joe L.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

If the radiator is "thin" in some obvious areas, it's almost certainly "thin" in other areas. IMHO, you would be well served by biting the bullet and ordering a new DeWitt radiator instead of trying to bandaid the one you have.

Jim and Richard-----

I also agree. I would not even attempt to repair a 63 year old aluminum radiator if I planned to drive the car. DeWitts reproduction is the only way to go. And, be thankful that the DeWitts is available. I never though that any of these 1960-72 aluminum radiators would ever be reproduced (until Tom DeWitt came around).

[Duke W.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

GM has a stop leak product, a packet of 3 pellets that I have heard works well. Naturally I don't have a part number, sorry

It's likely just Bar's Leaks in a GM package. Bar's Leak's in liquid or tablet form should be available at any auto parts store.

Duke

[Tim S.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

If the radiator is "thin" in some obvious areas, it's almost certainly "thin" in other areas. IMHO, you would be well served by biting the bullet and ordering a new DeWitt radiator instead of trying to bandaid the one you have.

Write the check and cry once. Dewitts has a promotion right now.......I have bought 4 of them this last week

[Leif A.]

Re: 61 aluminum radiator repair

Write the check and cry once. Dewitts has a promotion right now.......I have bought 4 of them this last week