leaking freeze plugs
#2
Racer
#3
Team Owner
Depending on the amount of coolant leaking, stop leak may work for a very short time. But the freeze plug leaks are usually caused by rust so don't expect a long term fix. Stop leak doesn't cure rust or even stop it.
Also, the problem with stop leak is that it winds up circulating through the entire cooling system and it may eventually cause restrictions in coolant flow.
At least if the problem you are having is with one of the two front plugs, count your blessings. Sometimes the plugs at the back of the block can leak. That will mean a trans removal along with clutch/flywheel or torque converter/flexplate.
Also, the problem with stop leak is that it winds up circulating through the entire cooling system and it may eventually cause restrictions in coolant flow.
At least if the problem you are having is with one of the two front plugs, count your blessings. Sometimes the plugs at the back of the block can leak. That will mean a trans removal along with clutch/flywheel or torque converter/flexplate.
#6
Le Mans Master
#7
Safety Car
I put Stop Leak in my '85 to fix a leaking freeze plug. Its still holding after 7 years and a complete flush of coolant. Now I have said that it will start leaking! Just remember the Stop Leak will fill your cooling system full of glop, possibly even the radiator tubes and sensor ports. Its definitely a last ditch fix. My leak was on the right forward almost inaccessible one. I will pretty much have to pull the engine to change it out so it will wait (hopefully) until I rebuild the engine next year.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
#8
Le Mans Master
Maintaining your cooling system will prevent rust. One of the key items when looking at a used car for sale is to remove the radiator cap to check for a rusty cooling system.
#9
Melting Slicks
I would try this stuff, it won't plug up your cooling system, and may buy you some time.. [The dry stuff in a tube]
http://www.goldeagle.com/products/product9D29.aspx
http://www.goldeagle.com/products/product9D29.aspx
#11
Le Mans Master
Which also means pulling the engine to do the two in back. Probably not what the OP wanted to hear but then maintaining a 27 year old car is probably not for everyone
Last edited by Greg Gore; 12-16-2013 at 12:48 PM.
#15
Le Mans Master
I would try this stuff, it won't plug up your cooling system, and may buy you some time.. [The dry stuff in a tube]
http://www.goldeagle.com/products/product9D29.aspx
http://www.goldeagle.com/products/product9D29.aspx
Most other stop leak products are a thick goop that clogs everything. I even had one clog the radiator so bad the car was overheating and I had to replace the radiator. I will never use that type again.
Even if you use the aluminum flake powder and it works, it may be a short term fix. You still may have to fix it right at some point.
Good luck.