On Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 12:41 PM, Mike <mbucchino@charter.net> wrote:
> I�don't see why you don't�just take it out�and�send it to a radiator shop.
> That's�what�they do.�It's not expensive,�and they'll repair�any holes that
> this process�can�uncover,� and then�pressure test for leaks.
> Some things�are�best left�to�the professionals, and this is�one of them.

I would think twice before sending very old aluminum radiator to
radiator shop. I have no idea what do they charge but new aluminum
radiators are not that expensive. Copper radiator, maybe. My previous
cars have had copper ones. My van has aluminum. I dont know if mine is
original or not. Van is ~20 years old, but the radiator is in
amazingly good shape. PO said that there has never been any leaks
anywhere and actually generally forgot to check for water levels
because it did not change.

Copper is more prone to pinhole leaks than aluminum. Aluminum tends to
weaken from bigger areas. So after repairing, copper radiator would
probably have longer life expectancy than  aluminum one. This is not
to say aluminum radiator cannot have just small pinhole leak being
thick from elsewhere.

A lot probably depends on the general condition of the radiator. Maybe
get a new one and fix the old one for spare part, presuming You really
are going to keep Your van for a long time. (Dont we all ?)