Welders, tips needed; how to fix a radiator.

[alkemist]

The air conditioner line on 1993 buick lesabre radiator has a small crack on the inside corner of a T-bend which is relieving freon pressure.

I should like to purchase the beginner equipment required and fix it myself. I do has previos welding experience. I just need to know tools required and any specifics, tips I should know to make the fix proper.



Thank you very much.

[TheSilentChamber]

1) Radiator doesnt hold freon.

2) Is it your AC system or your coolent system that is leaking? If it is the AC system, the line should be replaced.

3) If it is your coolent system you have to determin weither you have a copper or aluminum radiator, if it is aluminum it will need to be welded, but if it is copper it can be soldered or brazed. If it is aluminum the equipment will cost greater than a new radiator.

[curtis73]

In general, an A/C line can't be welded. It could be brazed but it will be tough to do without damaging somthing else in the path of the flame. Then you run the risk of hardening the aluminum which means it won't be long until it cracks again. Contact an Auto A/C repair place. They should be able to get you a new line for $30-60

But, if you want to get the equipment to repair it, the old line would be a great way to practice on aluminum. Welding aluminum properly requires a TIG welder. It can be done carefully with a MIG welder with the appropriate shield gas and wire but there are very specific techniques that I don't know. Brazing uses a torch and a brazing rod.