How to Fix and Patch a Radiator | Vehicle Survival skills | Tactical Rifleman

[@Ashaman556]

I worked at a radiator shop for a long time. This is good information and something I haven't heard anyone else talk about in this community.

[@koglioknows]

Thats because its not worth covering, folding over a tube and pinching it shut it is not a repair, its a might get you home tactic.

[@squirlnutsbigsack4864]

@@koglioknows didn't you watch red dawn? This is a make your buddy piss in it and get you to the mountains kinda repair 😂

[@Randaljoness]

I work in a radiator shop currently and we block off holes that are leaking

[@herberar]

Very interesting method. I once repaired one of my radiator tubes after a minor crash. I used epoxy putty and I forced it between the dissipation fins . It worked ok for more than 5 years before I replaced it for other reasons. This method is great. In my case I made the fix with the radiator in its place. Thanks a lot!!!

[@KingDumas]

U didn’t pull the radiator out ? Just raw dogged it in place and fixed it? 😆 I’m seriously asking cuz I gotta fix mine but never took a radiator out before

[@keithsimpson2492]

That's nice if your able and have the time to remove the radiator. For a quick fix in the field I've just run a 1/4" bolt through the hole with a rubber patch, a large washer on both sides and a nut to tighten down to stop the leaking. If I still have a bad leak I'l then cover both sides with some epoxy. Used that method to get back to base camp in Nam where the motor pool replaced the entire radiator.

[@TacticalRifleman]

Keith, we did the demo on a radiator outside the vehicle to make it easier to see. In class, final test for the driving instructor certification, I had to do this to the intact radiator on a full size Dodge pickup. It works great. If you have Quickset epoxy, even better. I have a better chance of having my leatherman than me having a quarter inch bolt and a rubber patch. That said, I have not tried that technique. So, I will add it to my list of future projects. Never too old to learn new tricks. Thanks for sharing. TR

[@keithsimpson2492]

I understand what your saying. We kept a small repair kit in the jeeps and 2 1/2 ton trucks that included the screws and blown inner tubes just for something like this. It wasn't perfect, but it reduced the water loss enough to get us back to base, usually, where the radiator was fixed or replaced by mechanics. Even with the screw and rubber we'd have water dripping out, again usually at the rate of a drop every 10 to 15 seconds, which we could live with. And we never had yo pee in the radiator either. LOL!

[@flashpointbravo]

Keith Simpson I punctured my dirt bike radiator today in a desert race. That’s why I’m watching this video. I’m going to zip tie some inner tube scraps and a bit and bolt to my bike somewhere for the next puncture. That’s a great tip!

[@miltondearmon6718]

Hey there smart guy hahahah. Loosen up bud

[@michaelsaili1384]

I just did this on a Corolla radiator. One tube had a crack on the side almost an inch long. I took it to some repairers who used some epoxy but that held for about 3 days. So, I decided to be an internet Ninja and do it myself. I decided to push in some silicon paste into the ends of the tube before bending the end. There's absolutely no leak anymore.

[@Philopantheon82]

I bought lately a ford fiesta 2017 which had a front collision and patched up radiator in its lower part, few weeks after i drove it on the road, I noticed decline in the water level in my reservoir radiator tank, the mechanic advised me to change the radiator having examined the patches as causing micro leaks and cooler evaporation.. it was costly but saved me from over heating engine!! Thanks for the video btw

[@GunsWithGage]

Wow really great idea. I've been a mechanic for 10 years and never thought about this. Jb weld will only worked if the area is not wet at all, and prepped well. And even then, it will only last a few miles. Just fyi for the guys that may want to try it

[@kimchee94112]

JB Weld overhyped, it did not fixed my a pin hole in my copper pipe as advertised. Only about 60 psi, lasted about a day then leaks again.

[@samwashere1392]

love the video, its a great tip. did something similar with an oil pressure line that was leaking, been holding for 10 years

[@Garand69]

I have used "Bondo" after folding the damaged core over many times as well, being thicker, you can force/extrude it through to the other side and then push some more the other way and let it set. With the radiator still hot from the heat race, the bondo will set enough to make the dirt track feature race. IMPROVISE-ADAPT-OVERCOME!!

[@kimchee94112]

Put enough Bondo on it, it will be bulletproof!

[@mantia39]

Very informative video. But the camera needs to be closer.

[@قناةلنشرالخير-ص3ل]

You always learn something new when you watch Karl.❤️

[@Junior-fd8ux]

This is why you channel is never a disappointment! Thank you

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching, TR

[@cm5838]

I damaged the radiator on my Polaris ranger yesterday, my ranger was wrecked and a factory radiator no longer fit, I have no idea what atv the radiator I used came from so have to repair. That scene from red dawn came to mind and I found your video, funny you referenced that movie. Anyways as I need it to prepare my hunting area I’m going to try this trick, I’d solder it but not sure my laco flux is hot enough to clean it up. I’ll put a little epoxy in the tube before crimping

[@DobleWhiteAndStanley]

My radiator was made out of copper, so I chemically stripped the coating and corrosion off with vinegar and torch soldered it immediately after. I'm not sure how that works with aluminum radiators but it may work on that too. My problem wasn't bullet holes, I center punched a friggin horizontal pipe that pierced the radiator and missed the guts of the truck by the skin of it's teeth.

[@fasillimerick7394]

Great video, and the background music added a great sense of derring-do to an auto repair tutorial. It made me think of replacing wiper blades, but on a HMMWV halfway to Kirkuk.

[@TacticalRifleman]

Cool, thanks

[@fasillimerick7394]

Hi there, I'm Fasil. I wasn't mocking your video. I just wanted to add levity. Forgive me if you thought I was being sarcastic.

[@TacticalRifleman]

Not at all. THanks for watching, TR

[@thomasvargas1383]

Your guys video helped so much. I hit a deer and tomorrow I'm going to finish my tahoe. Thank you guys so much

[@satyajitbrar2797]

Very good quick fix to get going . Thanks for the info 👍

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching, TR

[@KingDumas]

I literally have a bullet hole in my radiator (small bullet but still) and this video is a LIFE SAVER!! My only problem will be figuring out how to get to the radiator 😆.. never worked on a car at all

[@htxbadger7154]

Badass information, thank you for your service and content

[@511dirty]

I just did this repair on my dirt track car rad after a pk screw punched a similar hole - seems to be 100% fixed...

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad it worked. TR

[@m.monkeykiller399]

thanks

[@james10739]

Ya I just did this on my mom's radiator I have one ordered but we can still drive around but it still had some leaks because I was doing like 4 or 5 rows but some aluminum stop leak sealed them up I remember my dad doing it a long time ago so I figured why not I tried to cover the pin holes with some aluminum not welding rods but a low temp thing but my propane touch was not fine enough really

[@MrRambo50]

Wow ,really great video, nobody would ever think of this even happening, I learned something new ,thanks a lot

[@TacticalRifleman]

Thanks for watching, TR

[@80milekyle70]

Took some birdshot through the radiator and am going to fix this. probably will put a bolt in covered in epoxy and a peice of innertube or conveyor belt on either side I found on the side of the highway.. someone in the comments made that bolt recommendation. Thanks

[@jsmitty4675]

I am the master internet ninja also do heating and cooling I did learn something that was very practical. Thanks fellas

[@erickgarcia8770]

Punctured a military ATV radiator and we abandoned it to complete mission. Need to go recover it today, but will try this fix before towing! Thanks!

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@TacticalRifleman]

Thanks for watching. We have a ton of great videos you can find in our video archive. TR

[@MotogiantTL]

Thats great...filmed "Psychic Surgery" style...Its a Great idea but I have no idea what you did or what it looks like? And Does it work?

[@wmluna381]

Sounds like you're one of those internet ninjas he's always talking about. 😉

[@danielagbelusi6916]

You guys are awesome.

[@marineninga]

Which movie shows emergency radiator repairs?

[@TacticalRifleman]

The original Red Dawn (1984) is the first one that comes to mind. Classic!

[@genehays0127]

Nat Geo the long road home has a whole episode on trying to fix a radiator

[@gpowerdragon9852]

well that's a lot of damage no problem for Flex Seal

[@cookiecrew3629]

that patriot jacket from helikon tex is very good....good choice sir. i got 3 of them....

[@Vladimir9857]

Great video it helped me thanks.

[@77teahupoo]

Good stuff Karl

[@TacticalRifleman]

This is a great skill to have. Thanks for watching, TR

[@stevemelton4128]

Great information. Awesome training classes.

[@MyMd1111]

Love it, quick and dirty.

[@nomadsteve5297]

Life savers, thanks guys 👍

[@parkerazz4385]

To get out of a situation this should work. I wana see them put the radiator back in a vehicle and see if it over heats or not

[@TacticalRifleman]

It depends on how many rows you lose and the operating situation. If you rolled 20% of the cooling lines, you are gonna lose 20% of its cooling ability. This is meant to be a field repair to get you off the X and back to base.

[@GenX4Life]

That's it!? Too easy! Thx, man! 😎👍

[@TacticalRifleman]

It’s a good skill to know

[@robinpohl2702]

This is awesome guys thanks for sharing

[@1903tx]

I've got a busted radiator I replaced on my TJ out on my patio. I'm gonna do a few repairs on it before I take it to the recycling yard

[@TacticalRifleman]

Solid plan

[@lostintime8651]

I missed the part where they repaired it. What do I use to repair it? Epoxy??

[@TacticalRifleman]

YOu can, but it NOT needed if you properly roll and fold the fin with the hole in it. Roll it like a tube of toothpaste, flatten tight, and it will not leak.

[@KingDumas]

@@TacticalRiflemanif I fold it up like toothpaste can I still use the JB welder to make sure? Like crossing ts n dotting Is… just to be extra safe or would that be a bad decision

[@ipguyman108]

Totally awesome..!

[@CharkG73]

I have an old car with 310k miles. Really just trying to keep her going until my very worn transmission finally gives up.. a $1.50 timing test port gasket leaked oil all over the serpentine belt until that came apart and wound itself into the mechanical fan, which then chipped itself on the shroud and sent debris flying into the radiator. I was able to pull over before overheating but was trying to figure out why there was still a coolant puddle and trickle following that. I felt the fins and noticed fresh coolant emerging from certain parts of it when i ran my finger across the fins... Now just have to get it out and try to find the leak. Unfortunately the hole isnt bullet sized so i may need to get it pressurized and under some water to find the spot

[@TacticalRifleman]

Find the hole before you remove the radiator from the vehicle

[@CharkG73]

@@TacticalRifleman sounds good. Will do. I confirmed that it's leaking already but will locate the hole first. Thank you

[@Tazzspaz]

Just helped try to recover a vehicle with a really bad puncture a little larger than the one in the video this weekend. This may be a little more time consuming but looks much more effective. Just tossing JB Weld on top and in crevices was not quite enough. Thanks!

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad we could help. TR

[@rosellini69]

Awesome Video... great valuable info!!!

[@padraiggalvin2807]

Good idea for a temporary fix and to make a big leak into a small one

[@tomm2812]

Good to know. I spent a couple of years repairing radiators in my youth. By the by I knew the guy who invented the 'zzz' in the fins. Best

[@F3NOM8041]

YOU GUYS ARE FUCKING MVPs!!! I had a actual bullet hole in my radiator and this video saved me a lot of money! THANKS

[@AliMahmoud-mp9mq]

Good job

[@TacticalRifleman]

Thanks for watching, TR

[@Kaus5221]

Is the shooter still watching him? Why the suspenseful music?

[@cameronfarslow1697]

You mention in the movies them peeing in the radiator. Yes its better than nothing but is it actually recommended or are there better compounds incase the uric acid messes with the engine or something?

[@TacticalRifleman]

If you have gallons of distilled water... that will work too.

[@javaidsadiq5775]

Your sh!t will work. Just take a ssh!t but taste it first!

[@quinnbradford8480]

What about if you happened to drop a grinder onto the radiator

[@allenmckinney9533]

I'll be trying this today. I hit a deer this morning and there's a small leak from my light bar pushing into it. Thanks for sharing this info.

[@TacticalRifleman]

LEt us know how it worked out.

[@allenmckinney9533]

@@TacticalRifleman it still leaked but I'm going to jb weld it today after work. I have a new radiator otw anyway I just wanted to see if it would work.

[@allenmckinney9533]

@@TacticalRifleman the jb weld worked and two days later it's still holding.

[@FlatOutNorth]

@@allenmckinney9533what kind of jb weld did you buy?

[@pugmalley]

I prefer to just solder a patch over the hole. Similar to plumbing with copper tubing. Another trick is to get a piece of hose and clamp it over the hole.

[@jamiewhitfield4498]

Lol basically saying everyone's an idiot and wont be able to do it just by watching this video, so book onto their course so they can teach you how to do this simple thing 🙈😂😂

[@hindsight2022]

Ok radiator full Magazine full . I think im ready .... Time for real world scenario ...

[@arnab6408]

'I think we are out of targets boss'

[@masoodkhan4356]

Good morning sir the radiators tubes siza approximately 1.and half inch x25 inch you have cut tube to block it.I want aske u if tube size 6 inches x 40 inches and leaking from centre how do you repair it

[@TacticalRifleman]

Same way... cut, clamp flat, then roll several times

[@M1ke10191]

Pro tip: Don't practice this on your wife's car.

[@clickreportifyouareacrybab5942]

Pro:Pro tip: Don't practice on your wife's boyfriend's car.

[@willfreethemfreethem7671]

Lmao looking for my wife's car 💀

[@arnab6408]

Shooting the radiator is probably the easiest part 😂😂

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

What about the other hole that is just nicked? How do you fix that one?

[@TacticalRifleman]

Same thing… snap it clean, flatten, fold, and roll

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

@@TacticalRifleman Oh I see, so just go ahead and cut it and roll the two ends. What would you recommend to cut it with. Side cutters won't fit in there, all the way across the tube. Maybe a thin hack saw blade?

[@TacticalRifleman]

Medical Penny shears or your Leatherman

[@retnav92]

MacGyver! 👍😎

[@Idonotknowthisman]

Good video but didn't need the 2:am video game dungeon music lol😅

[@Unrullysoundz]

I need some help with my van

[@dlucas527]

Nice.

[@patrickwalker9090]

Well chief I’ll tell you this right now I am an internet ninja and I got to go to work in the morning so thx brother

[@ConsensusX]

1. If you need to get out of an area fast, keep driving! Turn the climate control on MAX heat and fan speed**. You risk ruining the engine, but you won't waste time. 2. If you have time and can work safely, let then engine cool down for at least 1hr. This way, you have less pressure in the system and will reduce risk of burns or additional coolant loss. You can then patch your radiator, then top off with water. **(This will help dissipate engine heat through your climate heater core. Perfect for buying extra time before engine reaches critical temp).

[@snuggles7498]

FYI, that hero was Jed Eckert

[@DavidWozEre]

Guy with the pliers seemed a little arrogant. Informative video though 👍

[@koglioknows]

I guess I'm slightly confused, is this demonstrating a quick fix on the road tactic or a permanent repair solution? Cause yes it might get you back on the road , but I'd never trust my vehicle for longterm use with that type of repair.

[@TacticalRifleman]

Of course it is meant to be temporary, because it cuts down the efficiency of the cooling system; but we have several 4WDs in the training vehicle fleet that have had radiators repaired this way years ago and they still run great. This is meant to be an emergency repair to keep in your mental toolbox

[@andrewtumusiime3773]

does tha fix the radiator leakage forever?

[@TacticalRifleman]

No such thing as forever, and you lose effectiveness from the loss of those small lines. However, it will serve you in an emergency

[@andrewtumusiime3773]

cool, thanks again, i do appreciate

[@arnab6408]

Pee on a radiator. I thought that was reserved only for mortar tubes 😂

[@cliffanycrutcher2643]

What about quick steel?

[@TacticalRifleman]

Quick Steel or JB Weld both work well, but still ensure you roll the ends of the tubes first.

[@jackhartsough3]

Love the tense music feel like im watching them disarm a kaboom boom or a who want to be a millionaire question 🤔

[@TacticalRifleman]

Funny stuff

[@notdividedusa1838]

Perfect! I accidentally used too long of screws into my computer Liquid Cooler Radiator, (because the model is so new, not much assembly and install tutorials posted yet - and because the product manual is LAME). So I was searching to see what damage I might have done... you guys totally answered my questions!!!! I know what to check to see if I'll have leakage now because of your good explanation. Thx!!!

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad we could help. Thanks for watching, TR

[@notdividedusa1838]

@@TacticalRifleman You bet! Thanks for producing good information.

[@leonardlunsford8924]

i use a draw bolt is my idea to pinch off leak

[@thomasbritt5399]

Hey dude. I am going to fix my radiator just as you did and no I don't need your course. I have been a mechanic for 20yrs. A radiator is something I have just replaced..this time I am not I am going to fix it.. I used your video to get the ideal. So please don't under estimate me or anyone that has a brain. The main reason I am fixing it is during this time I am saving the money for food and supplies with this coved19.. I will replace it later. Two I am in Mexico and well I has to be done. Yes I am down range out in the field. So again don't under estimate.. some of has brain..

[@realrickharrison3103]

You fool person

[@realrickharrison3103]

You don’t have a brain person man

[@prepperbr]

Bad camera angle. Good fix though.

[@richardackerman6151]

What brand of zippered hoodie are you wearing?

[@TacticalRifleman]

it is a Condor Sierra jacket.

[@uppercut70]

iTheGeek Lol, not you knucklehead

[@javaidsadiq5775]

The f@ggot brand!

[@johncelletti3108]

good info but you still need a good supply of water

[@crunchihuahua]

Why does that one guy remind me of Buffalo Bill from silence of the lambs.

[@stefanpalsson6553]

Tack så mycket 👉🇸🇪👈

[@malaihiboi]

Camera work needs work on getting close ups. And, I wanna see Carl and Chad spar.. :)

[@smileyfog]

I have no sound on this video? 🤔

[@TacticalRifleman]

I checked it and it is working fine… that’s KZbin hooking you up.

[@demoncleanersmith9403]

and here's me worrying about one little stone chip... ♥☻

[@orangestoneface]

or maybe chewin chewed to clean gum and roll it in a thread and stick into end of pipe before rolling up should lock it well or silicone sealant maybe. l used that. ...........opel vauxall vectra b leaks at pipe connetions main rad area to side boxes. wondering about ....spaying or dripping from wire end an underbody sealant techtil in through hose holes when rad removed dried. to leak spots . circle pipe hole there. or hose clamp on de finned pipe near joint and rubber band around in rubber glue then wire tight circles on top. or remove part of pipe or bend up and put insted a pipe from bike tube nozzle maybe metal with threads glue that in or even two washers and thick rubber and glue between then tighten them so it bulges into hole tight then plastic or rubber hose to rad pipe and hose clamps or wire.

[@fishfire_2999]

Shit

[@keepleft]

Should've just made this an audio-only upload.

[@wmluna381]

Seems like the camera-man went through the internet ninja course of "professional filming". Watched a lot of these videos, not a one time thing. Wish they would think about setting up multiple cameras on the indoor / presentation stuff for the close ups.

[@gyffjogofl7676]

Wtf is up with the music? I feel like Im watching Jaws.

[@dperry9406]

It was a good video he had me all the way up until he said quick drying epoxies were better

[@theprophetofchippy4578]

Just hit a buck. Radiarors leaking. Will be testing.

[@modeljetjuggernaut4864]

Wouldn't really call it a fix or a patch, more like a bandaid to get you home.

[@Camwize]

I did this on my subaru minus the epoxy, just rolled the tube over on itself a few times and it lasted me 4 years until I scrapped the car.

[@jordanwelty6582]

Chiraq?

[@wilsonparana2427]

With the arrival of electric cars, this type of maintenance is coming to an end.

[@TacticalRifleman]

Not for another 50 years

[@JustMar295]

Thanks this really helped! Fixing my boyfriends radiator today!!!@

[@TacticalRifleman]

Glad we could help. Thanks for watching, TR

[@fishfire_2999]

Got my fingers crossed getting ready to uncross em and give this a shot 👍

[@hektoriuz]

jb weld all day.

[@BennettGPaton]

When does Chris Hansen appear?

[@ggerely]

That wont last under pressure for long

[@YR7A]

all it needs to do is get you from point a to point b, only once

[@Tazzspaz]

neither will an open hole

[@officialWWM]

Who the hell is shooting at your radiator?

[@TacticalRifleman]

While you may be a mediocre musician, many of our viewers are active-duty military and civilian security contractors working overseas. Also, I personally know of several hunters who have had tree branches poke through their radiators. I also know that literally thousands of people have radiators spring leaks every year. Imagine that happening to someone with family out visiting Death Valley on vacation. This knowledge, and a couple gallons of water, could get them back to civilization out of harms way. While you may never venture outdoors, many of us live our lives fully and others live our lives to harms way so others can stay safe. Thanks for watching, TR.

[@johnrice1943]

What's so difficult about it? I'm an electrician and i use similar skills on a daily basis. It's a hard job, but if it was easy, they'd let women and children do it.

[@high787]

That sellout at the end of the video thoe, But tbh Fixing a Radiator like that is really easy.

[@thedavesofourlives1]

just solder it... wtf

[@gort7424]

How does this affect Lebrons legacy?

[@TacticalRifleman]

?

[@gort7424]

@@TacticalRifleman Lebron James

[@TacticalRifleman]

Yeah, I got that, but what does that have to do with patching radiators?

[@rt9372]

Music is a little dramatic, was expecting some commies parachuting onto your roof