Broken Nipple on Radiator

pman7373 · Post by **pman7373** » 28 Jul 2010, 09:19

Hey Guys,

I broke the nipple on my radiator (2000 S70 Volvo) on the line that goes from the top to the expansion tank. Does anyone know any good and cheap ways to reattach the nipple to the radiator. I tried jb weld and it felt strong but when i was clamping down the hose it popped off. If anyone knows anything else to try I would appreciate it I really don't want to buy a new radiator!

Thanks!

Post by **JDS60R** » 28 Jul 2010, 10:31

Better to buy the new radiator.
Most of the fixes you could do won't hold ( high heat epoxies,plastic welding, spin bonding etc). The fix for rad nipples that does work can't be done to our radiators. It needs to have access to the inside of a rad cap neck and puts in a new flanged nipple in.

If you ever come across a solution that works for more than a month please let us know. You are in good company for those who have broken a rad nipple.

Can you post a pic so we know what is left of the rad nipple. If you have enough of it left some solutions may arise. If its broken at the rad its time to replace(IMO).

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 28 Jul 2010, 10:43

If your car's radiator is original, it's probably a good time to do it like JDS60R said. It seems to be at about the 10 year point where the radiator's plastic tanks tend to crack and fail. It sucks having to do a radiator as more of a preventative maintenance item, but if you plan on keeping the car for a while longer, you're doing yourself a favor.

You could maybe try some epoxy or something, but it will likely still break when you put the clamp back on. Not only that, but it needs to hold up to high heat and pressure.

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 28 Jul 2010, 12:23

I don't know how thick the radiator tank wall is, but this is what I would try if I were in that spot...I would tap the hole in the radiator tank with a 1/8" pipe tap...Then I would go to Home Depot and pick up a brass 1/8" pipe to 1/8" hose barb fitting, wrap it with plumber's teflon tape, and very carefully thread it in there...Don't know if it would work, but it would be worth a try to me...The worst I could end up with is having to replace the radiator, which I am facing anyway...

pman7373 · Post by **pman7373** » 29 Jul 2010, 10:05

Thanks guys. I bought a new radiator. JDS60R I'll post a picture of the break in a few days when the new one arrives.