stud through heat exchanger

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wondermoose

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Mar 6, 2006
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I lost a stud on the outside belt on Lake Gogebic this weekend, and it shot like a bullet through the front heat exchanger of my 2002 Viper. The weekend was over in a hurry. Wanted to know if it's possible to repair the hole, or if heat exchanger replacement is necessary. Looks like alot of work to get at it, and my dealer said to look at a $600 cover charge just for labor. Any thoughts on the amount of work and ballpark costs?
 
definately try to get it repaired by a good aluminum welder before you attempt to replace it. They are NOT fun to replace.
 
Welding works fine. I changed one out this year, you do not want to do it. What a pain. Just make sure who ever welds it doesn't leave the power washer tip in the hose after they clean out the weld slag. If you can pull the suspension and track yourself, you can save a lot of labor $$ from the dealer.
 
depending on how bad it is, there was a posting on the 4 stroke site about repairing this with something like J/B Weld I will see if I can find it.
 
I used one of those "Aluminum brazing" kits on my Dads 00' SX-R. Comes with a little brush, and 10 rods. A propane torch will work but MAPP gas works better (but can melt the aluminum if your not careful)
 
Last year I put a 2in gash in the exchanger on my 03 viper and I had it welded it worked great much better than replacing it.
 
just helped my buddy replace one in an viper.....not fun at all....a real PITA....i would suggest trying to get it welded while still in the sled if at all possible
 
Thanks for all the advice. I'm definately going to try the welding route. Many welders I've spoken to said to try the JB weld epoxy stuff first.
 
I would have it welded, if the JB weld comes off you will have a big bill for pistons and cylinders if you dont catch the leak right away.
 
GETZY said:
I would have it welded, if the JB weld comes off you will have a big bill for pistons and cylinders if you dont catch the leak right away.
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^^^^x2.... i've had that stuff fail more than once,when it come to somthing as important as that,,man get it welded,,you'll sleep good at night..:)
 
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