I just bought a '84 SE to keep company with my '87. It's got a few things that need repairing, including the radiator. The coolant overflow nipple (that the overflow tube connects to) has broken off of the plastic radiator cap housing. The broken piece is still stuck in the overflow tube. What kind of adhesive would be best used to glue this broken plastic overflow nipple back onto the radiator cap housing? Obviously it needs to be water tight. Suggestions would be most appreciated.

I had an email sent to me by a forum member suggesting I just buy a new coolant reservoir. Let me take this opportunity to emphasize that the problem is not with the coolant reservoir, it is with the radiator.

The sides of the radiator are made of plastic. The radiator cap housing is plastic. The coolant overflow nipple I'm referring to is immediately below the radiator cap. Since it is/was part of the housing, it's also plastic.

I'm hoping I can "glue" this nipple back onto the radiator. I haven't had much experience gluing plastic bits together, especially in a location where heat and water are a factor.

It's important that the coolant recovery system works properly on a Fiero because the coolant moves back and forth through this system as the engine heats up and cools down.

It seems a shame (as well as a waste of money) to replace the whole radiator just because of this broken nipple. I'd appreciate advice from anyone who might've repaired something like this before.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-14-2003).]

Either "HELP" or "MOTORMITE" has a kit that fixes your problem. Basically, you drill the area where the nipple broke off and insert the replacement fitting from the inside of the filler neck. You then install and tighten a nut onto the outside of this fitting and you are good to go.........

Thanks for the tip! I'll check at Canadian Tire (large auto supply chain) today to see if they carry the proper kit. I'll report my results.

I went to one of the larger Canadian Tire stores in Vancouver and they didn't have a clue what I was asking about. I looked at their selection of "Help" parts and I couldn't see anything that looked like what I needed. Any chance that someone would have a part number for this repair kit?

If for some reason I can't track down one of these repair kits, I'm still open to suggestions as to the best way of sticking the broken nipple back onto the radiator.

I don't think you will have much luck repairing it. The proper fix would be to replace the radiator tank.

If you give up I have a radiator out of an 84, standard trans, that I will sell for $10 but you get to pay shipping.

quote Originally posted by Electrathon: If you give up I have a radiator out of an 84, standard trans, that I will sell for $10 but you get to pay shipping.

Thanks for the offer, but shipping a radiator from Oregon to BC would probably be more expensive than most local options.

I'm stubborn. I'll fix this nipple one way or another.

I have a radiator out of my 84 parts car. If you interested in it PM me. I will sell it to ya dirt cheap. How does 15 bucks sound? Let me know.

Korey

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"88" 3800 SC Series II V6 Coupe
(soon to be "Intercooled")
"84" 4Cyl coupe parts car
Sponsered by = Car Quest

Thanks Korey, but you're even farther away from British Columbia than Electrathon. The shipping would cost me more than the radiator.

I want to fix the one I have!

they have a jb weld stick looks like putty .it's a two part exposy you can use it anything . i would fill the crack and fill the inside then drill the hole out to the right size .p.s you can drill or tap after 48 hour great stuff if they don't have it by you p.m. me i can send it too you it's like $5.00 for a lot of it

I had the same problem but mine but still had a few mm left, I cut the tube a couple of inches from the overflow tank and fed a skinnier pipe into it and hose clamped it, then slid the skinnier tube over the few mm of nipple and hose clamped that. That was about a year ago and two days ago I noticed a leak from the front due to the pipe finally falling off – I re-clamped and every thing is fine again. (this was supposed to be a short term fix, but turned out to be a long term but functional bodge!!)

JB Weld or some other kind of epoxy should do fine. the over flow is not under pressure, so just about anything will work.

Well, two votes for JB Weld has convinced me that this is the route to go. I've never used epoxy before, so I guess it's about time I learned how to use this stuff.

Brian, I appreciate the offer of sending me some JB Weld, but I'm pretty sure it should be available here. If not, I'll be in touch!

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'll post the results of this little project when I'm done.

Is it possible to drill & tap the plastic where the barb broke off & screw a brass hose barb into the hole?

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That might interfere with the radiator cap

quote Originally posted by Gordo: Is it possible to drill & tap the plastic where the barb broke off & screw a brass hose barb into the hole?

The nipple broke off flush with the radiator cap housing. The plastic wall of the housing is quite thin. I don't think that there would be enough material to securely screw a brass hose barb into. And as Pyrthian has suggested, the brass fitting might interfere with the rad cap.

My work on the Fiero had to be postponed today as my old '67 Chev decided to start running on one less cylinder last night. Had to fix that today. Gotta keep the older cars happy first.

Here's the gizmo karunjit suggested. It's a Motormite/Help item.

Hey, that’s great! With this information and using Google to look for 10691 “radiator overflow”, I was able to find a downloadable PDF of a DORMAN/MOTORMITE/HELP catalog. Bonus!

Now I’ll be able to phone around and ask for this item using a part number. Should make the whole process a little easier. If I can’t find one, there’s always the JB Weld.

Positive ratings to everyone who’s posted in this thread!

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-16-2003).]

Just by a new tank at fiero store for 29.00, Then you dont have to worry about seal breaking over time.

If by "new tank" you mean the coolant reservoir, see my second post in this thread.

Haven't dealt with the rad yet. Been working on the brakes...