2 problems

[DaveB]

The gas tank on my 57 cub is rusty. I put a piece of chain in the tank and shook it around. This helped but it still looks a little rusty on the bottom. I have heard of tank sealer. Is one brand better than another and is using sealer a long lasting repair? Next problem I have is I need a radiator. Are the aftermarket ones any good or should I try to find a good used one? Thanks for any advice. Dave B

[Rudi]

Dave:

Lets look at the last first.

The Rad.. is the core gone? Many of the good old fashioned Radiator Repair Shops rebuild these radiators. In fact the one that Ellie wears is a rebuild/re-core. It was done a few years before I got her.

So... you can probably save a few dollars, but best of all get a good quality re-core for either the same or less money than you can get one of them cheap rads imported from China.

Now, for the second question, them there good old fashioned Radiator Repair Shops usually are the same shops that repair and seal Gas Tanks. Most of them use a product called Red Kote. This is a good commercial grade sealer and it does work. It works well. Ellie had hers done almost 3 years ago, and over the last couple years, she has set a spell not exactly in the best of circumstances. The tank is clean and rust/crud free. Thanks to the Red Kote.

As far as I am concerned, getting the tanks done professionally is smart. It keeps the fumes and the lung clogging crap out of YOUR lungs. These professionals, well they have all the equipment that OSHA demands and they are a lot safer than one would be doing it themselves. Also, it is about the same price.

Some say POR-15 is cheaper, but after all of my health problems, I just don't want to go down that road.

[Rob in NH]

i used por 15 on a atv tank. it lasted about 7 years. i think it would last longer if you could clean the tank first with a stronger acid than what they give you in the kit. on the rad question i had mine recored about 10 years ago and have no troubles with it.

[DaveB]

My radiator is not leaking but at one time there was a poor repair job done. The top tank looks like it is tipping forward. When the hood is on the radiator neck rubs on the front part of the hole in the hood. I was thinking rather than try to fix this one I would be better of replacing it. Plus the 2 good radiator shops that were near me have closed up. Dave B

[VinceD]

Dave, I had a radiator shop clean and seal the tank on my H. The price was reasonable and they did a great job. I would recommend having it done professionally.

[Eugene]

I'm on my second after market radiator. I've not had a problem with either radiator.

I have used RedKote to reline several fuel tanks. No problems.

My opinions/comments.

Eugene

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

When my 48 radiator finally gave up the ghost last summer, I checked with a local radiator shop, and he said recoring was quite a bit higher than the price I could buy a new one form JP Tractor.

[Rudi]

Dave:

You might want to check with Ralph at Ralph's Cubs. I think he has a few good rads (probably used and not tested) available.

[TJ]

Dave,
On my M I used a sealer from J.C.Witney. It came in a quart can labeled "gas tank sealer".We shook some gravel and water around inside to knock loose any rust scale.Then puored it in rolled the tank around upside down etc. poured out the excess let it dry for a couple days good as new.The M tank holds about 19-20 gallons and I still have half a can left. It would probly do about 3 cub tank. It cost about $50. Its been in there about a year with no problems.

[John(videodoc)]

I also had my rad boiled and tested. It had been redone few years back but went ahead and had it checked professionally. Same shop did the gas tank. They boiled / baked and whatever to it. got it good and clean, coated it. the For both, i think i wrote a check for $65, would have to check to double check, but i thought it was dirt cheap for waht i got...... No leaks and no garbage in my sediment bowl. So all is well in Bette's world.....

John