Cast Iron Radiator repairs??

[strat61]

Does anyone know of anywhere in Northern Ireland that can fix leaks in cast iron school house type rads? Tried google etc to no avail. Or is there a way of fixing them DIY style...there are a couple of leaks at the bottom between two of the sections.

 

[wnjswozo]

if its a small leak put some ls1 in system or get your plumber to add it

 

[strat61]

There are 2 small leaks. Where do I introduce ls1 into the system? I guess it's worth trying since the rads cost me a fortune and the guy I got them off swore blind they had been pressure tested!!

 

[stevetheplumber]

There are 2 small leaks. Where do I introduce ls1 into the system? I guess it's worth trying since the rads cost me a fortune and the guy I got them off swore blind they had been pressure tested!!

if youve got a conventional systemit goes in the header tankafter draining a couple of gallons out through the drain off
if its a combi its best to put it in through the top of a rad after draining said rad into a bucket best one to use if you have one is a ladder towel rail as it tips straight in

 

[REDSAW]

take the rad down to your local boat yard,
there you will find excellent iron welders.
alternatevley, at your local car accessory shop, buy some metal putty for engines, i fixed a cracked (1 1/2'' split) engine block with some a f3w years ago.

 

[WHPES]

You can't weld them up if it's the gasket between the sections which is failing.

Try leak sealer first as discussed. Similar to the stuff you put in car radiators to stop leaks.

If that doesn't work, there are companies who refurbish cast rads - they are disassembled, shot blasted, reassembled with new gaskets and spray painted, but it can be quite expensive.

 

[quality]

As previosly mentioned if its the gaskets then you looking at a refurb howerver it is possible to braze cast iron if its cracked or corroded

 

[oldplumber]

Brazing cast iron doesnt work very well from experience, I used to do cast iron welding and you have to preheat the object being worked on and really prep the weld area before electric welding with a cast iron rod. As mentioned if its the glands that are leaking you could always try an antiques salvage yard who are used to repairing these rads or have a go yourself. Youll need a tool to undo all the rad joints, a source of heat to break loose the joints and about 32 thumbs as youll be hitting these throughout this little job.

 

[quality]

Agree with you on that one about welding cast as it is quite a specialist area , But I was more refering to silver brazing which is pretty straight forward, I use it often to braze copper to cast valves for refrigeration systems. I should have been a bit clearer

 

[johnsco]

A competent welder should be able to do you a repair if you know exactly where it is leaking from.
The repair may well be a braze repair.
Modern brazing materials are very good and should provide you with a seal and the required strength.