Radiator Leak

Hi,

I have a small hole in my radiator.

Can somone recommend a good product that I can add that will make a paermant seal?

Thanks

PS Based in the UK

Reply to
species8350
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Last I heard (decades ago) the stuff that made a permanent seal also plugged up a lot of the fine water passage in the radiator. Until I found that out I really liked the stuff that looked like brass/gold powder in a plastic tube.

Reply to
The Real Bev

THank you.

So far, Radweld is being recommended

Reply to
species8350

Pretty much any additive that plugs leaks in the coolant system also plugs up heater cores and radiator passages.

Where is the leak? If it's in either tank you might be able to solder it (brass/copper radiator tank) or rough it up real well and use an epoxy based repair kit if it's a plastic tank.

I don't even try sealers any more, I have never found one that didn't cause more issues that they "solved"

Reply to
Steve W.

What kind of radiator is it and where is the hole?

If it's an old-style brass radiator, it's very easy to just polish it up with sandpaper, put a little flux on, and use a $10 propane torch to add some lead solder.

If it's a modern aluminum-and plastic one, and it's leaking through a pinhole in the aluminum tube, you can try Bar's Leaks. It works well, although it can gum up slow moving coolant and make a partially-clogged radiator into a completely-clogged one. Also be aware that if it's leaking through one pinhole, it will probably be leaking through another one soon.

If it's leaking at the connection to the end caps or from a crack in the end caps, on a modern radiator with plastic end caps, then it's time for a new radiator.

--scott

Reply to
Scott Dorsey

Alumiseal is what I've used without any problems. I think there is some copper colored stuff that is similar. It's a powder that comes in a plastic tube. If a sealant plugs up anything in your system it means your system was already just about plugged up due to poor maintenance. GM reportedly put stuff similar to Barr's stopleak in at the factory as insurance against pesky warranty leaks. Follow the directions on the can for whatever you use.

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

Thank you for the responses.

I am in the UK and Radweld Plus has been recommended. It states on the bott le that it has been manufactured so that it will not block the radiator cha nnels. It also states that it provides a permanent repair. On examindg the radiator, it looks in good condition, I believe that there is a small pihol e at one of the bottom corners - no obvious corrosion.

I am wondering if I need to add the whole bottle of Radweld, or if I can ad d suffient, and if necessary add more later.

Best wishes

Reply to
species8350

Add it all unless you have an unusually small car/radiator.

Reply to
Ashton Crusher

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