How can I stop a leak in my radiator core?

Question

My car is 19 years old and I don't want to spend 700 bucks if I don't have to.

Any ideas are appreciated.

I was told I can just disconnect the hoses but then I won't have any heat.

It's an 88 Grand Marquis.

It's my heater core that's behind the dash that's leaking. Sorry for any confusion!!!!!

Answer 1

If the holes are small, try Bars Leak or Aluma Seal at any auto parts store.

Answer 2

Bars leak has always worked for me. It really depend on where the leak is. You might also check the auto recyclers. You can find a car that is the same make and has the same size motor, it does not necessarily have to be the same model.

You can also find a good radiator shop and have it repaired instead of replacing it. I had a shop put new side tanks on a couple of radiators for me.

If your car is 19 years old, and you can do the work yourself, it should cost less then $200 to put a new radiator in your car. It really isn't hard, just takes a couple of hours.

As far as being concerned about bars leak gumming up your coolant system. I have never had trouble with the stuf and I have used it for years. My father has used it since the 1960's. We have even used it in a cirlce tack car and a few drag cars. It is a good, safe and cheap fix.

Answer 3

I have to agree with zudes about adding stuff to the radiator. Most likely it will plug up the radiator, heater core, and/or if could plug up the engine itself(if the engine core has a lot of deposit build up). If you don't care about the car or you are going to get something newer than whatever. On the older ones, it is not that hard to pull the radiator and get a one at an auto parts store. Just be sure to have a something to catch the old anti-freeze so animals don't drink it.

Answer 4

You don't have to spend $700 to fix the problem. For a temporary fix, there is a product called Stopleak. Just pour it in the radiator while the engine is running. Drive around for about 5 minutes. Unless your radiator is really bad, this will work for quite a while.
On another note, radiators are not difficult to change yourself. You can either take it out and have it welded, or, you can go to Autozone and pick one up for about $150-$200. They come with a lifetime warranty.
Anyway, those are your options as I see it.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Disconnect the hoses, and you won't have heat? Is it the radiator that's leaking, or the heater core?

Answer 6

i own a repair shop,and i don't recommend anything that you have to add to the coolant to stop it,it will also clog the heater core up on it,id take it out and see if a radiator shop,can repair it,usually they can fix them at a fraction of the cost of a new one,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 7

ill tell you what to do.go to auto zone or advance and get some bars-leak.its best to get the one with pellets in it.after the engine cools,pour it in the radiator and start your car.it will stop it,and it wont harm the cooling system either.i had a 70 hornet once and i used it and i drove that car for over a year after that.

Answer 8

Take it out and have it fixed, recored or replace it. $700 ?
If you think a radiator repair is expensive, try replacing an engine.
$700. How many radiators are you going to put in it?

Answer 9

I bought some stop leak stuff, with litlle balls of of umm stuff(sorry forgot) and the beater is still going! A little gunky in the radiator. but it was less then $5.

Answer 10

you can disconnect the hoses, but in order to maintain proper engine cooling, you need to connect the two hoses together. Good luck!