Does radiator stop leak actually work?

Question

I have a very slow water leak from somewhere, can stop leak help? My Dad suggested it but im nervous about putting it in my car!

Answer 1

i have used it many times it works

Answer 2

HEy there,

Depending on the location of the leak, and the make/model/year of vehicle Stop Leak is and acceptable solution to small leaks.

As a licensed technician, car repair in a can, is something we try to avoid. But in some cases a leak can be in an area on an early model car thats repair costs exceed the value of the vehicle. There are also some manufacturers that RECOMMEND stop leak conditioner for some weepage.
For instance. Subaru is having some leakage at the corners of their head gaskets and have released a "conditioner' to be purchased or added by your local dealer. This is actually a TSB (technical service bulliten) released by the manufacturer and when used properly will not damage the vehicle and will contain the coolant.
Other problems that might not be solved by stop leak is a bad waterpump bearing. There isnt anything in a bottle that can repair a bearing and when the pump bearing has play the seal does not contact the impeller shaft causing the leak.
Some stopleaks IE IRONTITE can cause accumulation of the pellets or catalyst in the heater core, corners of the engine block or cylinder head that can affect cooling and heating. So use caution when adding.
I have (through disassembly) found stop leak remains that have caused damage to vehicles in the past. IE a Chrysler Intrepid motor thats waterpump is driven by the timing belt. Too much Bardaul built up in the pump housing and caused the plastic impeller to bind on the shaft and the engine had reduced its coolant circulation volumn causing overheating.
Your best choice is to have the system pressure tested and inspected by a mechanic. Just ask how much he/she charges and an estimate on repair. Ask if a cooling system conditioner/stop leak is a viable option and if you have found someone you can trust he/she will give you the right advice

Answer 3

Put a newspaper under the car to locate the area of the leak.
Stop leak works sometimes. Look for leaks around hoses and water pump.
Some GM v6 engines leak coolant internally through intake manifold gasket. Check oil for water contamination(it will look like chocolate milk or coffee with cream in it).

Answer 4

If it's the stuff I'm thinking of, It works but is only a temporary fix. You put the powder in the cooling system via the rad cap it then congeals then bounds to the place leak because it senses air. I f its the stuff for plumbing pipes it will melt off when the engine and rad heat up. Go to a car store and ask , get the good stuff the name escapes me.

Answer 5

stop leak is a temporary solution to a permanent problem it can clog your radiator or heater core the best thing to do is have the system pressure tested and fix or replace the causal part. if you are going to sell or trade the car immediatly after putting the stop leak in ,it will probabaly work long enough to do this.

Answer 6

It does work but only for a while. It also partially blocks other channels within the radiator making it somewhat inefficient. Better off getting a new one or have it repaired if you are sure it is the radiator and not just a simple hose.

Answer 7

Yep it works, if the leak is coming from the rad & not the hoses, Works great for a short time till u can get it to a Rad repair shop & have it soldered.

Answer 8

Bar's or Aluma Seal are the best but you need to remember that this is a Temporary fix, 2 to 3 weeks only

Answer 9

good for emergencies but not the best cure for a leak...the gunk in stop leak may cause problems with your water pump in the long run...

Answer 10

It works, but may be a temporary fix. It won't stand up to high pressure or prolonged heat. But it will work for a while and won't hurt your engine a bit. The egg trick also works.

Answer 11

warm engine up when water is hot crack a raw egg in
and an 20 minutes later the stop leak