Radiator leak
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
in MHO, just a waste of time, this stuff usually winds up clogging up the thermostat in a stuck open position. I once used "radiator restore" product and it works, for awhile. i have found that there is nothing that you can pour in a car that offers a long term solution to a mechanical problem, especially leaks. the only exception to this is some fuel injector cleaners work pretty well, the type you dump in the fuel tank. a lot of "stop leak" products consist of ground pepper, oatmeal flakes, and bits of paper, so if you 've got any of these around the house you may as well try them before buying any specific product.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I used Stop Leak in a Pontiac many years ago. It worked so great I put the leak completely out of my mind. Several years later I flushed the radiator and replaced the coolant. The leak was back. 
Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.
My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by Spike-74
I used Stop Leak in a Pontiac many years ago. It worked so great I put the leak completely out of my mind. Several years later I flushed the radiator and replaced the coolant. The leak was back. Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.
My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by Spike-74
I used Stop Leak in a Pontiac many years ago. It worked so great I put the leak completely out of my mind. Several years later I flushed the radiator and replaced the coolant. The leak was back. Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.
My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Another can of Stop Leak fixed the leak until I traded the car.My Vette on the other hand is different. I intend to keep this car for a long time. If I get a leak I want it permanently fixed, not just patched until I trade. If it were me I’d fix or replace the radiator.
Recore will will cost around 200 if your rad is non aluminum
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
I used several different product over the past 30 years with success. They work for small leaks. Some people are dead set against them. I also agree that replacing the core or getting a new radiator is the best thing to do; however, sometimes a $5 fix may last several years.
My radiator is shot. I have used a several bottles of this leak stopper over the cousre of about 6 years. Fortunately ,I now have a new heater core and new alum DeWitt radiator going in this spring.
My radiator is shot. I have used a several bottles of this leak stopper over the cousre of about 6 years. Fortunately ,I now have a new heater core and new alum DeWitt radiator going in this spring.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
I was looking into a new radiator for my car also and found this company, teamradiator.com , on the internet; has anyone had any experience with them? Free shipping and lifetime warranty for a new radiator under $200 seems like a good deal.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by memLT-1
I just devloped a small leak on the left lower side.I would like to try some sort of stop leak.Any recomendations?Or would I be wasting my time?
Bars leaks heavy duty for bigger leaks.
My car lives on that stuff. And yes it will solve the problem for about a year. Then you just put another bottle in.
Last edited by turtlevette; Feb 17, 2005 at 11:25 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by turtlevette
Bars leaks for small leaks
Bars leaks heavy duty for bigger leaks.
My car lives on that stuff. And yes it will solve the problem for about a year. Then you just put another bottle in.
Bars leaks heavy duty for bigger leaks.
My car lives on that stuff. And yes it will solve the problem for about a year. Then you just put another bottle in.
The Brits used to put Bars Leak in Jags at the factory.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Originally Posted by yogi78
I was looking into a new radiator for my car also and found this company, teamradiator.com , on the internet; has anyone had any experience with them? Free shipping and lifetime warranty for a new radiator under $200 seems like a good deal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by supervette77
I just bought a brand new 3 row copper/brass radiator on Ebay for $149.00 with free shipping. It is made by a company called Silla, I checked them out and they have a website and seem to be reputable and a fairly decent size company. The radiator has a limited lifetime warranty and matched up perfectly spec wise to the original. I also picked up a rustfree core support on ebay as well. Once I POR15 the support I can put the whole shabang back in with new hoses and new shroud seals.