Radiator stop leak?
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: East Northport NY
Radiator stop leak?
I have a slight leak in the radiator of my 80. It has 16K original and I am trying to keep it that way. Should I try a stop leak product or just replace the radiator. I have been reading other threads about radiator replacement and it seems like a real fun time getting that beast out. Thanks for the advice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
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From: Newark DE
it's NOT fun getting the radiator in and out. I did it four times in one month - 3 of those times in the course of a week! I NEVER want to do an R&I on a C3 radiator ever again!
After the forth time of trying to track down a small drip I gave up and got a bottle of Bar's Leak Heavy Duty Radiator stop leak stuff.
Poured in the bottle, let her run as per the directions, and I haven't had a single drop of a leak since.
This was on my 9,700 mile '78 so I really wanted to keep this original radiator.
It worked!
After the forth time of trying to track down a small drip I gave up and got a bottle of Bar's Leak Heavy Duty Radiator stop leak stuff.
Poured in the bottle, let her run as per the directions, and I haven't had a single drop of a leak since.
This was on my 9,700 mile '78 so I really wanted to keep this original radiator.
It worked!
Last edited by BarryK; May 9, 2006 at 09:27 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: East Northport NY
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
i think that fixing it correctly is the only way to go.....i would not use stop leak
when you say fix it correctly do you mean a replacement or remove it and have it repaired.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
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From: Newark DE
Bob
under any other circumstances I'd agree with you 100%.
at least in MY case (everyone's is different) I already had the radiator to a rad shop on one of the removals to fix one of the trans cooler line fittings that was dripping.
While there they pressure tested the rad and checked it out for me and said it was just fine.
I still had a coolant leak afterwards though and after pulling it twice more to try to find the problem I got too frustrated to pull it yet again ( 3 times in less than one week is more than anyone should have to suffer) and gave it and decided to try the "snake oil" method of the stop leak. I was surprised but thrilled it worked.
NOT something i'd recommend as a "first" course of action though - best to try to find the problem and properly repair the unit. In my case it was a last ditch effort since i'd already tried everything else.
under any other circumstances I'd agree with you 100%.
at least in MY case (everyone's is different) I already had the radiator to a rad shop on one of the removals to fix one of the trans cooler line fittings that was dripping.
While there they pressure tested the rad and checked it out for me and said it was just fine.
I still had a coolant leak afterwards though and after pulling it twice more to try to find the problem I got too frustrated to pull it yet again ( 3 times in less than one week is more than anyone should have to suffer) and gave it and decided to try the "snake oil" method of the stop leak. I was surprised but thrilled it worked.
NOT something i'd recommend as a "first" course of action though - best to try to find the problem and properly repair the unit. In my case it was a last ditch effort since i'd already tried everything else.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
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From: Newark DE
Originally Posted by nptwoody
when you say fix it correctly do you mean a replacement or remove it and have it repaired.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
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From: Hebron IN
Considering the mileage and condition, I'd take it out and have it repaired.
I replaced my original radiator last year in my '75 and it was hell. I ended up cutting the shroud in two. Wasn't anything wrong with the rad either...just didn't trust it after 3 decades.
Looking at my friends '79 with electric fans, I think it would be a much easier job on the later C3's like yours.
I replaced my original radiator last year in my '75 and it was hell. I ended up cutting the shroud in two. Wasn't anything wrong with the rad either...just didn't trust it after 3 decades.
Looking at my friends '79 with electric fans, I think it would be a much easier job on the later C3's like yours.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
on a 77 its not too bad....and i had to take mine out twice in 6 months once for the engine swap then after it started leaking.....either repair or replacemet is ok...i actually paid more for the recore then if i bought one new...when i asked the radiator guy about that he smiled and said with my job if you have a problem just bring me the car.... i took off the fan and pulley. disconnected the trans lines and pulled the shroud back and the radiator slips out.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
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From: Dayton Oh
For a "slight" leak I'd have no problems using stop-leak. Just put in the recommended mixture, warm up the engine to normal operating temps, and then drain the whole thing. Next, do a road trip to ensure that the engine never exceeds the normal operating temps. What have you got to loose? If you still have the leak or you've successfully clogged the radiator such that temps can't be controlled, then you can then replace the radiator.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: East Northport NY
Thanks for all the helpfull advice. A lot of experience on this site to draw from. I think I will try the stop leak and see if it works. If it does I will plan on pulling the rad and having it repaired sooner than later. If it doesn't work then I will be pulling it sooner and have to wait to get it on the road. Will let u guys know how it all turns out. Thanks again to all, Jim