so i have a radiator leak on my 91 4runner. as far as i can tell it is isolated to the pipe that the upper hose is connected to. the repair shop wants $50 fix it, if it is a copper/brass radiator.

what is the easiest way to tell if it is a copper/brass or aluminum/plastic? they are both painted the same. or is it even worth messing with?

 

Scrape the paint a little on the tank. If it is copper/brass there will be a yellow metallic surface under the paint. If plastic, it'll just be black all the way though. Or tap on it with something metal, the difference in plastic vs. metal should be apparent.

 

thanks a ton

 

I've soldered leaky radiator necks with a blow torch, flux, and solder before. Try it if you have the supplies.

 

that's a good idea... i was thinking of doing that, but i don't have that much experience eventhough i have the stuff. would i have to pull the neck out to put the flux on or is there an easier way?

 

so the solder idea worked great thanks