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Any radiator sealants work?
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samg.
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Nov 14, 2011, 6:48 PM
Post #1 of 11
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Any radiator sealants work?
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Hey I have a 95 lumina junker, I noticed in the fins it has a small pinhole that leaks when under pressure. It's just my work car, but I'd really rather not put a radiator in it. I really haven't ever tried any of that crap or seen it being used. Is there anything that'd work good?
For the guys i've talked to on here....i know i work at gm store, im just cheap and it's almost christmas!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 14, 2011, 6:50 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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You're a tech. You should know that there is no such thing as "mechanic in a can". It just plugs up the rest of the cooling system.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 14, 2011, 6:56 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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Sealers tend to make a mess IMHO.
Why not just put a radiator in it? They aren't that expensive, especially since you probably could get it at cost. Besides maybe you have some electrolysis going on or the coolant PH is too low and has turned the radiator into a sacrificial anode in which eventually you find more holes later. Aluminium radiators eventually corrode internally over time and get less efficient at transferring heat even if they look good on the outside, so maybe its a good time to replace it.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 14, 2011, 7:09 PM)
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samg.
User
Nov 14, 2011, 8:39 PM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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I know there's no mechanic in a can, I'm not exactly looking for a miracle, I just want it to get through the end of the year, and I figured since it was tiny (at this point) it may be able to seal it for now. I've never added anything to a car or seen anyone do it at work, so i'm oblivious to it all.
Gm makes cooling system seal tabs, but they are crap and do gunk it up, I guess i should have assumed!
I can get them from radiator depot, or fmp pretty cheap. I'd just rather spend on the kids than the car...I guess I'll be driving my impala for now. Thanks guys.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 14, 2011, 8:52 PM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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I hear ya....it's a bad time of year. Yea those tablets are crap.....I suppose there may be better brands in that line just like anything else...
But that's where Murphy's law kicks in......The DIYer that doesn't know any better will pour a bottle of that stuff in & be just fine. Since you know all the pitfalls, you'll put a bottle in & it'll plug your rad up solid in under 10 minutes......
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re-tired
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Nov 14, 2011, 9:15 PM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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I had a 22 bullet go thru my tractor radiator(don't ask) . Put a product called BARS LEAK in been ok for bit over 2yrs. If your driving a tractor I highly recommend it.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 14, 2011, 9:24 PM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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Tractor have an aluminum cross flow radiator in it?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 14, 2011, 9:44 PM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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It's a 1955 ford major diesel . Brass and copper. 8lb cap . If your driving one of these beaut's or treat your car like it is one . Then , as i said "It will fix it right up"
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 15, 2011, 1:01 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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A .22 RT! No I won't ask more
samg. : If you know where the leak is and willing to change out/flush out system AND cool weather where you are then I would keep a constant vigil looking at it and will use NAPA's "Radiator Sealer and Block Repair" which is not just the old sawdust that most are.
It behaves like a Jello and not a real fix. I think sold in 12oz bottle and of course says to use the whole thing but don't if attempted. If two oz - no more doesn't hold this at bay till a proper fix with that little then it needs the real fix.
That and other magic in a can things are NOT my thing. Depends on where and what. I've used that to buy a couple weeks for someone before junking a car - lots of it and it worked for the leak but heater core plugged up tight! Did flush just the core for a tad of heat but this car was known junk overall otherwise wouldn't use sealers at all,
T
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samg.
User
Nov 15, 2011, 6:15 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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Tax time will be here soon enough, it'll be ok til then. Thanks guys.
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Richard c
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Nov 15, 2011, 3:28 PM
Post #11 of 11
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Re: Any radiator sealants work?
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I saw someones bill for installing freeze plugs, on the tab was: Freeze Plugs and Bars Leak added into the bill by the mechanic.
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