So the GSX has been losing a little coolant. Yesterday I pulled the car out and there was a very small puddle behind the passenger front tire. So I looked by the hearer core and as the car is warming up, I can see a puddle just under the hoses....great The leak was coming from the 3/4 hose. Take the pinch clamp off and I notice the copper hose end has a flat spot on it. Like someone used a pair of pliers on it at one time. I replaced the hoses last winder but evidently didn't notice the damage. When I replaced the hoses last winter, I installed the pinch clamp on the flat spotted area. I reinstalled the hose and moved the clamp right up against the raised hose end. I pressure tested it and it seems to be holding pressure. Im guessing if this doesn't work, I see a heater core job in my future
Jason can you expand the tube so it is round again? If the core is good I would try to repair the tube first.
The thought was crossing my mind but couldn't think of a viable method. Last thing I need is the metal tube cracking at the soldered connection which is my luck
If you crack it while attempting to repair it you haven't lost anything.... I have repaired a few over the years. For the size tube I was working on I think I used a 1/4" 8 to 10" long extension. I set the ratchet end in the tube as a wedge and used a long narrow flat screwdriver (twisting against the extension) to slowly walk the crimp out. No real stress is applied to the solder joint
Worst job to do right up there with front E brake cable replacement.. I'd try to fix it before removal if possible..
Short of something expandable, I'd take shout piece of smaller size pipe & cut in half & rig up some handles or take some junk tool & weld the pieces on so you could out the pipe in there and squeeze the handles to get the shape back. Hopefully that's all it is but nothing to lose by trying to fix.
You should consider having your Harrison re-cored if you have a local radiator shop. The reproduction units are good for about a few years and you only wanna do that job once.
I use the closest size deep socket that will slip into the tube/neck (on a "locking" extension) and a small gunsmith hammer (hard nylon or brass head) to fix radiator and heater core necks. Never use anything that can cause a split as it will take very little pressure to do that.
You also might want to put a little Indian Shellac on there before you put the clamp on. Those “wire” clamps only work so well. They usually leak if you don’t put the shellac on. Duane
I'd use a battery terminal expander to make it the shape you need.Just insert and squeeze till you get it shaped correct.
I have one near me and have helped out a couple board members from California and the Midwest. Shipping would be the issue but it's tough to beat factory fitment.
