thanks to you both for the advice. i'm positive the leak is coming from between two of the rectangular channels near the top-right mounting holes (the way i have it mounted at least). fortunately it's in an area of minimal airflow, so gobbing external sealant shouldn't hurt performance much (between the corner mounting brackets, which are brazed to the top, bottom, & side "tanks" on both sides). i'm sure i won't be able to pinpoint it between the channels because there are mangled fins in there that i "gently" pushed aside to pass the bolts through (i tried to be careful & push the fins into each other & not dent the water channels, but i think i buggered it).
using flourescent dye might help. i'd likely have to "pack" the 1/4"x1/4" area around the bolt with paint anyways to make sure it is sealed, so it won't matter exactly where it is. i'm not going to hack out the core or mounting brackets to get at the pin-hole, because i'd surely introduce a major leak in the process.
i just had an idea, i think i'll actually epoxy the mounting bolt in there so it reinforces the area & keeps the glue up against the hole. i think this would be the most robust seal i could make without stripping the neato black paint off my bix & soldering it (i'd rather buy another one that do all that).
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