PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

EricSilver · #51 06-30-2005, 09:44 PM

Yes,

I would definitely recommend it. I had none of my radiator neck left when
I did this fix about three years ago, and the repair is actually better when
there is none of the old neck left.

The copper was a 1-inch bushing from Home Depot. The epoxy putty was a
high-temperature steel/metal type. It may be with the other epoxies at Home
Depot, or in the automotive section at Wal-Mart or any automotive store.
(The regular JB Weld is strong and heat-resistant, but not waterproof, and
will fail. I believe, however, they now have a waterproof version.)

The bushing should fit tightly within the radiator neck. Push it as far in
as you can. It will stop when it hits the "L" part of the plastic radiator
pipe. Before you do that, dry the inside of the neck and sand it lightly.
Also sand the outside of the copper bushing to roughen it up a bit. Most
important, sand the remaining neck all the way back to the top of the
vertical part of the radiator pipe. This is what the epoxy adheres to, to
hold the copper bushing in.

Once the bushing is in, you will simply form the epoxy around the exposed
copper, and the remaining radiator neck, to form essentially a new neck to
replace that which broke off. Just form small portions of the epoxy into
"worms" and wrap and form them around the bushing, and remaining neck,
pressing and kneading the epoxy until it starts to stiffen. Then proceed
with the next worm until you have formed a new neck. If possible, mold in a
small bump or ridge at the top as far forward as possible. This will
prevent the hose from sliding off by blocking the hose clamp's movement.
(The radiator necks all have that.)

That is all you need to do. Let the epoxy cure for about two hours,
reattach the top hose from the water pump, and start the engine. You may
see some minor seepage from the reattached hose, which will stop once it
heats up and forms itself to the shape of you new epoxy neck. Then it will
stop. Also, although you will be able to over-tighten the hose clamp, there
is no need to do it. Very little pressure is required to keep the hose on.

Hope this works for you.