Topic: The amazing tape

[70CB750]

We were in Denver, when the radiator on our 04 Grand Cherokee sprung a leak. 

Before we left from Virginia, I changed all I could and checked everything, including pressure testing the cooling system.  No matter, there was the leak, spraying coolant at the engine. 

First I tried BARs leak fix, but it did make a little difference, after the day drive from Denver to Black Canyon campground, the leak was back.

I decided I have to have better access than through the shroud and cut a hole in the shroud.  Than I carefully saw off the radiator frame C channel, with a flat piece of wood cleaned off the fins and tried the old trick of pinching the leaking part of the radiator.  The old aluminum sprung another leak in response to my efforts.  I guess the pinch fix is for copper radiators.

Luckily I had a piece of plumbers tape in my kit and with a bit of effort and quite a bit of strong words I was able to wrap it around the trouble spot.  The next day I stopped at Home Depot and got more of the tape, wrapped another layer or two or three over the fix and hit the road.

Except for checking the coolant level several times a day it did not give me more trouble, the tape is truly amazing.

[70CB750]

And here is the radiator fix that lasted 5000 miles.

Also I learned about the tape here on the forum, I am sure electrical or duct tape would never hold the same as the Nashua tape:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-Stretch-and-Seal-1-in-x-3-33-yds-Silicone-Sealing-Tape-684201/100206050#.UeAYpazzlWU

I am going to write the maker a letter, it truly saved our vacation.

[dusterdude]

Cool,what part of va you in

[70CB750]

I am near Warrenton.

[Stev-o]

Amazing, would have bet against that, I'm buying some.

Hope your going to replace it now.

[BobbyR]

I have been using that stuff for years. It is great stuff, it actually only sticks to itself and it bonds chemically to itself. It come off with no residue. Much better than electrical tape for insulating.

[RAFster122s]

If Nissens brand is available for your Cherokee I would recommend them. Very good quality product. Have used them for a couple Volvo 240s I have owned... used same one in 2 cars for more than 150k miles...
David

[dusterdude]

I am near Warrenton.

groovy,hopewell

[70CB750]

So I changed the radiator, took it for a spin and it sprung significant leak from the water pump.

That truck is a kidder 

[Raul CB750K1]

It seems to be what we call over here self-vulcanizing tape. We use it to make electrical connections weatherproof, but apart from that I haven't given it much use. Seems it saved your day though.