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CLEAN & TESTINGRADIATOR REPAIRSPLASTIC ALUMINUM CONVERSIONSHEAVY DUTY RADIATORSCUSTOM RADIATOR TANKSSIGNS OF REPAIR NEEDEDHEAT EXCHANGERS - OIL COOLERS - MARINE
- 01Yes! From automotive, heavy equipment, semi-trucks, buses, marine applications, to industrial heavy duty radiators! From small heaters to four-plex , multi-plex radiator cores. We cover it all. What types of radiator materials do you work with? Our team has expert-level experience with all common and specialized materials, including Aluminum, Copper, Brass, and Steel. Whether it's a modern aluminum unit or a classic brass-tank model, we have the specialized welding and soldering tools to fix it Repair Capabilities What is the difference between a radiator repair and a full rebuild? A minor repair usually involves fixing specific leaks or replacing hoses. A full rebuild or re-core involves replacing the entire internal cooling center while salvaging your original tanks. We provide honest inspections to determine which is most cost-effective for you. Can you fix specialized heat exchangers like oil coolers? Yes, our expertise extends beyond standard radiators. We service a wide range of cooling components, including industrial oil coolers, charge air coolers, and fuel tanks. Can you convert my plastic and aluminum radiator to copper/brass? Absolutely. We offer conversions from plastic-tank aluminum radiators to more durable, fully repairable copper and brass systems. This upgrade is popular for owners looking for superior thermal conductivity and long-term reliability. Industrial & Heavy-Duty Services Can you repair large industrial or generator (genset) radiators? Yes. Our facility is equipped with an in-house crane capable of handling heavy-duty units up to 6,000 lbs, including four-plex genset radiators. We specialize in large-scale cooling systems for mining, construction, and power generation. Do you offer custom radiator manufacturing? We do. With our on-site manufacturing, we produce custom copper and brass cores with heavy-duty brass or steel tanks. This is ideal for vintage restorations or industrial machinery where OEM parts are no longer available, and for plastic / aluminum conversions to copper / brass. For more info on our on-site manufacturing of custom radiator cores click here You can see our crane in action here:
- 02A plastic-aluminum to copper-brass radiator conversion is the process of replacing a modern, lightweight radiator (aluminum core with plastic tanks) with a heavy-duty, traditional copper-brass unit. This upgrade increases durability, allows for easier repairs, and provides better heat transfer, often chosen for high-performance or vintage vehicles. Key Aspects of the Conversion: Enhanced Durability: Copper-brass is more durable and less prone to corrosion-induced failures compared to the plastic-to-aluminum joints in OEM radiators. Repairability: Unlike plastic radiators that typically require full replacement, copper-brass units are easily repaired (welded/soldered) or re-cored by radiator shops. Heat Transfer Efficiency: Copper is a better conductor of heat than aluminum, offering superior thermal performance for cooling. Weight & Cost: While aluminum is cheaper and lighter, a conversion to copper-brass is generally more expensive upfront. Application: Ideal for high-stress driving, towing, or vehicles where longevity is preferred over saving weight. With over 35 years of on-site radiator manufacturing experience, we maintain a database of thousands of radiator drawings across hundreds of makes and models. This extensive library allows us to streamline production, reduce lead times, and deliver faster turnaround on custom radiator core builds. For more info on plastic / aluminum conversions to copper / brass custom radiators click here!
- 03Yes, aluminum radiators can be repaired, though it is often difficult and sometimes not worth the cost compared to replacing them. Repairs are usually restricted to small, accessible pinhole leaks or cracks, often accomplished using specialized aluminum epoxy (like J-B Weld), low-temperature aluminum soldering rods, or specialized welding Considerations and Limitations: Location matters: Leaks on the finned tubes are very difficult to fix compared to those on the tanks. Plastic tanks: Modern aluminum radiators with crimped plastic tanks are rarely worth repairing because the seal often fails again once disturbed. *** Click here to convert your Plastic / Aluminum radiator to a Copper / Brass with our on-site manufacturing *** Damage severity: Significant tears, widespread corrosion, or bulging generally indicate that a replacement is necessary. Success rates: While DIY repairs with epoxy can last, they are often considered temporary fixes compared to professional welding or replacement
- 04Repairs typically involve welding, patching leaks, or replacing damaged sections. Repairing an aluminum radiator involves cleaning the damaged area, then using specialized aluminum brazing rods (like Super Alloy 1) with a propane torch or, for smaller leaks, a two-part aluminum-reinforced epoxy like J-B Weld. For pinholes, clean with a wire brush or Dremel tool, apply flux, and melt the brazing rod onto the area. For cracks, the area may require excavation before sealing. Methods for Repairing Aluminum Radiators: Low-Temperature Aluminum Brazing: Using a propane torch and specialized rods (e.g., Super Alloy 1, Alumiweld) to seal holes or cracks. This is effective for pinholes and can withstand high pressure. Two-Part Epoxy/Putty: Products like J-B Weld can be applied to clean, sanded surfaces for smaller leaks. The repair must cure for 24 hours in some cases. Replacing vs. Repairing: Due to fatigue and the difficulty of repairing aluminum tubes, many professionals recommend replacing the radiator if the core is severely damaged, especially if multiple leaks exist.
- 05Repairing an aluminum radiator is often cost-effective for minor pinhole leaks, saving over $200 using special epoxy or aluminum solder/welding. However, it is not cost-effective if the radiator is heavily corroded, has significant structural damage, or has cracked tube-to-header joints, as these often fail again or require labor-intensive repairs. When Repairing is Worth It: Small Pinhole Leaks: Small punctures in the aluminum tubes or fins can be fixed, often using low-temperature rods like Super Alloy 1 or aluminum brazing. Minor Damage: Damage from debris that is easily accessible. Quick Fixes: Using a radiator test cap to locate leaks and applying sealant is a cheap alternative to replacement. When Replacing is Better: Separation of Tank/Core: If plastic tanks are separating from the aluminum core, repairing it rarely works, and replacement is necessary. Extensive Corrosion: If the radiator is old or showing widespread, severe corrosion. Expensive Professional Labor: The labor to properly weld aluminum can sometimes exceed the cost of a new, reasonably priced aftermarket radiator. Cost Comparison: Repair: Typically low-cost for simple welds, but depending on damage it can vary. Replacement: A new radiator costs roughly $200–$700+, with an additional $150–$400 for professional labor.
- 06The repair time depends on the damage but usually takes 1-3 days for minor damage, re-cores or rebuilds take 10 -14 days, for the manufacturing of the aluminum core / tanks.
- 07Common issues with aluminum radiators include internal corrosion from electrolysis, leaks at seams or plastic end-tanks, and susceptibility to damage from vibration or road debris. They are less repairable than older brass/copper units and require strict maintenance, specifically using proper coolant, to prevent rapid degradation. Galvanic Corrosion: Aluminum is highly susceptible to corrosion when in contact with different metals in the presence of coolant, a process accelerated by old or wrong types of antifreeze. Plastic Tank Leaks: Many radiators feature plastic end-tanks crimped onto the aluminum core. These tanks often crack or develop leaks at the seals due to heat cycling and aging. Difficult to Repair: Once an aluminum radiator leaks or incurs significant damage, it is very difficult to repair compared to traditional copper, often requiring a complete replacement. Susceptibility to Damage: The aluminum fins are thin and delicate, making them prone to bending or getting blocked by debris, reducing cooling efficiency. Vibration Fatigue: Without proper mounting, aluminum radiators are prone to fracturing under consistent vehicle vibrations. Requirement for Specialized Coolant: They require precise coolant chemistry to prevent internal corrosion and "liquid sandpaper" erosion from rust particles
- 08Minor Repairs: Typically range from $150 to $350. Full Replacement: Generally costs between $500 and $900+, depending on your vehicle and parts. Re-core is based on the square inch of material, and core thickness. More the material the higher the cost, and depending on the conditions of the tanks. Contact us for a more detailed quote!
- 09Yes. Our facility is equipped with an in-house crane capable of handling heavy-duty units up to 6,000 lbs, including four-plex genset radiators. We specialize in large-scale cooling systems for mining, construction, and power generation. For more in for info on generator (genset) radiator repairs click here. Do you offer custom radiator manufacturing? We do. With our on-site manufacturing, we produce custom copper and brass cores with heavy-duty brass or steel tanks. This is ideal for vintage restorations or industrial machinery where OEM parts are no longer available. For more information on custom radiator manufacturing click here.
- 10Yes! We stand behind our work with a service warranty on every job, from a simple radiator leak fix to a complete cooling system overhaul. Our goal is your total satisfaction and a cooling system you can trust. How long is the warranty for a minor radiator fix? For minor repairs, such as patching a leak or weld on a tank, connection etc, we typically provide a [30 Days] warranty. This covers the specific work performed to ensure the fix is durable. What is the warranty for a new custom-made radiator? Our new custom-built radiators come with our highest level of protection, usually a [6 Months] warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We build them to last, so you can drive with peace of mind. What does the warranty cover? Our warranty covers defects in materials and the quality of our labor for the duration of the term. It does not cover issues caused by external damage, lack of maintenance (like old coolant), or misuse. How do I make a warranty claim? Simply bring your radiator back to our shop with your original invoice. We will inspect the work and, if it falls under the warranty terms, we’ll take care of the repair at no additional cost to you.
- 11At Diamond Radiator, we repair all types of heavy equipment radiators used across construction, industrial, transportation, and resource industries. Our team has the expertise to service radiators of all sizes, styles, and configurations, including: Excavators, bulldozers, and graders Wheel loaders and articulated trucks Dump trucks and semi-trucks Cranes, lifts, and heavy-duty machinery Generators and gensets Mining, forestry, and oil & gas equipment Forklifts, reach stackers, container handlers Concrete Mixers, Concrete Boom Pump Skidders, Wood Chipper, Fellers We work with radiators from leading OEM manufacturers and provide complete radiator repair, cleaning, pressure testing, and re-core services to restore performance and extend equipment life. With over 35 years of experience and on-site manufacturing capabilities, we can repair or rebuild even obsolete or hard-to-find radiator units, ensuring a precise fit and reliable cooling performance. *** See the section below on Heavy Duty Radiators ***
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