Gunk on the radiator

[mustangaustin34]

Unfortunately I have ZERO knowledge of radiators. I noticed some gunk on the top of the radiator this morning…truck is not overheating and the radiator fluid levels are normal. Any help helping me figure this out would be much appreciative…thanks!

 

[NCrunner2012]

It looks like a cracked radiator. Replace immediately

 

[mustangaustin34]

Thanks...I will order a new radiator today. For the next couple of days before it ships, can I apply some "JB Weld" to the hairline crack or would you recommend not driving at all? Thanks.

 

[NCrunner2012]

Some people have had success trying JB weld. I personally have not used it on something as important as a radiator...

 

[Blackfell]

Black pepper works to plug a leak in a radiator. It's very temporary but I've used that method before and the vehicle did fine.

 

[shootmymime]

Black pepper works to plug a leak in a radiator. It's very temporary but I've used that method before and the vehicle did fine.

i 2nd black pepper, it works enough so you can still drive until the new rad gets here.

 

[jmildoc]

Use JB Weld Water weld, I have used it on a gas tank before and has worked for a long time now.

 

[tre9er]

That seems like an awfully big crack for pepper to help you. I've typically used it only for pinholes and the like. If I'm looking at the pic correctly, it seems like a several-inch crack you're dealing with. JB Epoxy to a dry surface would be my temporary fix, probably. I've used it on copper pipes in my sprinkler system at home and it did well enough to last me a summer, under those pressures.

 

[mattman]

I think I would try a piece of the black Gorilla tape rather than JB Weld ... If you clean the surface, you should be able to get good coverage with the tape and it's strong enough to hold the pressure for a couple days.

 

[Dee3]

I don't see why JB Weld wouldn't work. I've plugged broken trans cooler line holes after a milkshake in the stock radiator on my first 3rd gen years ago. Pretty sure if your going to replace it that gorilla tape would probably work too in a pinch for short drives

 

[mattman]

Yeah - the JB may be fine ... I've just had mixed results with that stuff sticking to the surface and the plastic worried me. But - I've never used the Water type JB that folks were recommending either.

 

[nevada]

don't put anything in the rad as a sealer. not pepper or anything else.

JB weld can work. but just run the cap loose, so it wont build pressure until you get the new rad. it will be fine.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Also if it's cracked from corrosion from the inside, the "milkshake" may be right around the corner. Replace that radiator IMMEADIATELY!

 

[slapdappy]

as an emergency measure an egg can be a temporary leak plugger. as it cooks the proteins intertwine/solidify and plug the holes.

 

[cyclops13]

Unfortunately I have ZERO knowledge of radiators. I noticed some gunk on the top of the radiator this morning…truck is not overheating and the radiator fluid levels are normal. Any help helping me figure this out would be much appreciative…thanks!

Wow! Just looks like mine! I had the crack on the exact same spot and similar dried coolant stains.

JBWeld works fine. I had used it on mine as I discovered this on the evening before my 500 mile roadtrip. It held fine for the trip and when I was back it looked okay to hold on for more time. However I replaced mine with a AAP unit soon after following this awesome guide - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/171072-guide-radiator-thermostat-replacement-noobs.html

Just remember, if you are putting JBWeld, remove some coolant so that it levels below the crack, sand the surface a bit, clean it with alcohol and apply a smooth coat of JBWeld in 2-3 layers and let it sit overnight.