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Author Topic: Radiator Repair, "syphon" tube (coolant overflow tube) fitting snapped off  (Read 4304 times)
Slapstyle
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Posts: 7


« on: May 01, 2011, 02:07:11 PM »

So I pulled in to the station to fill up with ridiculously expensive gas and noticed coolant dripping on the ground.  Went to check the hoses, and it appeared to be coming from the overflow hose.  I tried to snug the tube up on the fitting when the real problem presented itself and the fitting snapped right off the radiator.  Sooooo...  this happen to anyone else?  Can I just solder this thing back on?  I'm bummed cuz I was supposed to do this benefit ride for a girl with MS and now the Valk is out of commission.  A tow truck guy came and whittled a wooden plug out of a small tree branch to get me home, which was nice because it didn't count as a tow against my AAA.  Real nice guy.  Dave's Auto Repair and Towing in Bucksport Me.  Cudos to them! 
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roboto65
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Posts: 878


Conroe,TX


« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2011, 02:33:41 PM »

Well if you have a torch and solder I would use silver solder yes you could repair it your self but if it were me I would not want to chance my soldering skills  2funny.
A radiator shop should be able to repair it in no time and the cost should not be that much but you will probably need to take the radiator off for them to fix it most likely .
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Allen Rugg                                                       
VRCC #30806
1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate
1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project
Panama
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Posts: 51


1998 Valkyrie Standard

Tarpon Springs, FL


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« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2011, 11:34:59 AM »

Hey guys... new as a Valk owner (about 4 weeks now), and new to board...... this makes my first post. I had the EXACT same thing happen to me - I just wasn't lucky enough to have a tow truck driver that could whittle a wooden fitting - but after searching methodically on a Saturday for a radiator repair shop, or anyone that could possibly weld it, we (my father-in-law and I) decided to attempt soldering.
Let me just go ahead and put out there.......... DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.
I ended up taking it to a welder that had an arc and tig welder, but he made me use his tools to clean the radiator mouth off where the nipple broke off, as well as the nipple, then welded it back on, about 3/4 of the way around; on the sides and top. He said he would have welded the underside of the nipple, but did not want to risk getting close to the seal at the top of the radiator.
That said, after his welding, and bit of JBWeld epoxy from the parts store, and I was back in business.
Of course, I went ahead to drop it off at the radiator shop, and have them pressure test it for $25, just to be safe.
All in all, a full weekend of "do it yourself" attempts, a friend-of-a-friend that welds, some epoxy and $25, and I was able to put it back on, and running clean with no drips  Cool

I hate that someone else had the same thing, but I'm glad at the same time, to know it wasn't just me. The bigger question is, how many others have had the same experience?

Oh, and just in case anyone out there is unaware -but I doubt you are- always insure to use a 50/50 with coolant and distilled water. Father-in-law clued me in about the fact that tap water to an aluminum radiator can be as bad as pouring acid on a penny.  As well, when I spoke to the welder, considering the small amount of alum in the nipple, there's a good possibility that the water used prior to my purchase was tap water, could have weakened it enough to break off.

So, now that I've written a book as my first post, thanks for the opportunity Smiley

Ride on - ride safe
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There's a fine line between being a badass and jackass... and if you try too hard to be one, you sometimes wind up being the other.

art
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Grants Pass,Or

Grants Pass,Or


« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2011, 11:50:58 AM »

You cannot solder alum. it must be tig welded with alum rod. It will take a good welder because the material is so thin it could melt down in a puddle an you could be up the creek
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YoungPUP
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Posts: 1938


Valparaiso, In


« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2011, 09:53:43 PM »

Had a teacher in shop class in H.S.  He used to tig pop cans together, full bead, end to end. Said when you can do that you can call yourself a welder.....Shouldve paid more attention. I can barely use JB Weld let alone anything else....
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Yea though I ride through the valley of the Shadow of Death I shall fear no evil. For I ride the Baddest Mother F$#^er In that valley!

99 STD (Under construction)
Hedgehog
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« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2011, 10:17:20 PM »

I used to have a Honda Blackbird. Went to clean the radiator and found that it had turned to, er, mush. The fins just fell apart. Too much British salt from icy British roads...

Replacement was $800, so I was in despair until a Honda Parts guy I know came up with a radiator that was brand new, but had been damaged in exactly the same way as described here  - while the technician was fitting it! A costly mistake for the dealership.... However, he had carefully welded the overflow back on (very neat job) .Got it for $250 and I never had any problems. cooldude

HH
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Dave King
Proud owner of Honda Valkyrie F6C 1997 Standard
& owner of BigBikeMad.com
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