Radiator bummer-quick fix???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: West Slope of the Sierras California
Radiator bummer-quick fix???
Just spotted a tiny puddle under the driver side, upon investigation, noticed the bottom of the tank dinged, just got the car bit over a month ago, and that seems to be where the leak is coming from. Anyone recommend a sealant for a temporary fix 'til the money tree blooms??? Used to use 'Bars leak' long time ago, was one of the best, anything better out there now? Thanks,
Randy
Randy
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by firstimer
Just spotted a tiny puddle under the driver side, upon investigation, noticed the bottom of the tank dinged, just got the car bit over a month ago, and that seems to be where the leak is coming from. Anyone recommend a sealant for a temporary fix 'til the money tree blooms??? Used to use 'Bars leak' long time ago, was one of the best, anything better out there now? Thanks,
Randy
Randy
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Dec 9, 2005 at 12:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
If driver's side, also worth checking the upper radiator hose connection. Mine tends to 'form a leak' there if the car sits too long (deposits that accumulate between hose and radiator neck). Usually, can remove the hose, clean connection and adjust/re-tighten to resolve this upper-hose leak.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
i understand the money problem, but do it right the first time. you might find yourself with a overheat situation and that can turn into headgaskets real fast. whats it gonna cost you, 35 bucks to get a rad shop to solder the hole? come on dude!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 977
Likes: 1
From: wash. dc
i feel ya wit the cash flow shortage. when i nuticed my radiator leaking i fortunately had the cash to just put a new one in since the shop i went to to price a recore was almost as much as a new brand one... problem solved and car runs much cooler with the freeflow of coolant
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Those dang sealers are a double edged sword, often causing as many problems as they solve. I know it's a pain, but pulling and fixing it now is the right move. Be real cheap if you can get it out yourself, although it's a pain to pull, especially if you have A/C.
Hans
Hans
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
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From: Shoreline WA
Originally Posted by 71redskin
i feel ya wit the cash flow shortage. when i nuticed my radiator leaking i fortunately had the cash to just put a new one in since the shop i went to to price a recore was almost as much as a new brand one... problem solved and car runs much cooler with the freeflow of coolant
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach Florida
if its copper take it out and clean it good then get a fine torch and solder it. if you can get a small piece of copper and solder it over the hole.. the trick is it must be clean.. if its alum they have a alum stick thats easy to use.just melt it over the hole
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 735
From: Youngstown Ohio
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
Keep filling it until you can fix it right (unless it's leaking too much) those sealers work but are not discriminating in what they clog up
.....good advice....I recently used a sealer on my Regal; worked great, but also clogged my heater core (no heat)!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I ran the stop-leak in mine for 10 years with no problems. Just take the fluid out every spring or so and flush the system. I used the little tube of aluma-seal or what ever it's called. Don't put in more than the instructions indicate. To do so is why everyone gets other stuff plugged...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
Keep filling it until you can fix it right (unless it's leaking too much) those sealers work but are not discriminating in what they clog up
I have used this "fix" in the past and have ended up replacing cores and radiator just the same resulting in mucho more $$$$$
Just wait and do it right...replace it or bring it to a reputable radiator repair shop...you save in the long run and probably run cooler.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
Originally Posted by redc3
i understand the money problem, but do it right the first time. you might find yourself with a overheat situation and that can turn into headgaskets real fast. whats it gonna cost you, 35 bucks to get a rad shop to solder the hole? come on dude!