Hammer Down
Member
What's involved in replacing the front heat exchanger? Or should I just weld it?
super1c
Super Moderator
It's a big job to replace front heat exchanger as most are part of the bulk head. Welding is a great/best option IMO is it not to tore up.
Yep, to do it right the sled has to basically come apart. Skid, axle, engine, belly pan, etc. all come out or at least loose. It is a fun project though, best done in the summer or a fully heated shop with ample room and a working height table.
Weld it.
Hammer Down
Member
How about bars leak
I wouldn't use that in a sled (or most cars for that matter).
Make sure you get the coolant out and it completely cleaned (inside and out). Then find a good aluminum radiator repair guy (or gal) who is experienced with welding used (already had coolant in it) aluminum radiators or heat exchangers. It can be easily welded by the right guy or made worse by another.
Hammer Down
Member
Do you know anyone locally? I'm close to Howell.
super1c
Super Moderator
If the hole is small enough I've used a good map torch and some alumibraze and did it myself. Still holding fine. Key is it has to be clean and dry.
YAMMIEGOD3:16
Active member
weld it. 3:16x (yammie tony)
I used a guy in Walled Lake Area. I will see if I can find his info.
yuck.. that's the biggest job there is to do to one of these sleds, I don't ever replace the front heat exchanger unless its got a gaping big hole in it that cant be patched, only have ever had to change them 2 times,( I learned real fast not to change them out...lol) I weld them. As to replace you need to remove engine, remove steering stem, remove rear suspension, track, etc. and then you got about 50 rivets to drill out and more then likely need a small porta power to get it out of the already flexed aluminum chassis....it stinks!!!
I remove rear suspension and track, then wash it out well with water to get rid of antifreeze, take off the two front hoses from heat exchangers to flush well and leave off to get excess water back out, you can tilt from side to side to drain it good.
I drain the gas from tank and run engine till it dies from no fuel. Then hang the sled up by back bumper as high as you can possibly get it!!! Preheat your area of the hole well with map gas torch, I'm talking smoking hot to get the water around the area your gonna weld, its drawn to heat. tig weld the hole closed and then reassemble. Still is no fun but about only 30-40% of the work and labor cost to change it out.
I remove rear suspension and track, then wash it out well with water to get rid of antifreeze, take off the two front hoses from heat exchangers to flush well and leave off to get excess water back out, you can tilt from side to side to drain it good.
I drain the gas from tank and run engine till it dies from no fuel. Then hang the sled up by back bumper as high as you can possibly get it!!! Preheat your area of the hole well with map gas torch, I'm talking smoking hot to get the water around the area your gonna weld, its drawn to heat. tig weld the hole closed and then reassemble. Still is no fun but about only 30-40% of the work and labor cost to change it out.
YAMMIEGOD3:16
Active member
if you go with welding 100 % remove or unplug your cdi box. 3:16x (yammie tony)