What is the best to use to seal a of of the radiator leak?

Question

I've been using the COLDWELL from Walmart from the auto dept..., it says it's supposed to be permanent, I have a few tiny hairline cracks on the top of my radiator, that water steaming out of and causing it to run hot. So when I apply this Cold Well stuff on it , it works a few days then starts cracking off. The top portion of my radiator is that heavy black plastic. I don't know why it's made of plastic in the first place. But what can I use that would work and stay on there? any suggestion....! Thank you.

Well I looked at the product it's called WaterWeld. FRom the makers of strongest Cold Weld,. J-B WELD.

Answer 1

I seen MacGyver crack an egg into a radiator to stop a water leak. It was on an old military jeep in a third world country.
It worked.

Answer 2

Hi as a temporary fix only you can use some Plastic seal you can find at a loco Auto Zone. Made for radiators. Remember by using this stuff you can have other more expensive repairs as it can block cooling passages for the engine and cause overheating.The best thing is to replace it. It is not that hard to do.The only thing is area to do the work in getting into small areas.Most have an upper and lower radiator hose and 2 hose for the trans or oil cooler. then 4 to 6 bolts holding it in. and the close system hose.(Remove the cooling fan assem. if it has one.)

Answer 3

Go to Wal-mart and get some BARS Leak Stop for radiators follow the directions and it should work. It is an additive that seals the leak from the inside not out and is the best i know of. Good Luck.

Answer 4

a local radiator repair shop can replace just the top part you described leaking for less than 40.00-60.00 and their work is GUARANTEED! Theres no need in paying 150-300.00 for a new radiator when the one you have is ok. buy the way dont let it run too hot if at all possible. this will mess up the head gasket for sure and mabe even the heads. and that can cost anywhere from 1500.-2000.00 at a repair shop. be safe!

Answer 5

You might can try using Bars Stop Leak, you pour it inside of the radiator. It says you can use it for the plastic radiators too. If that doesnt work then you might can try JB Weld or JB Quick. They aslo make a JB Weld that works under water so that kind might be better. GL!

Answer 6

the plastic tanks on your rad keep expanding and contracting with the heat of normal use, and will never completely seal, you can have the rad taken out and a new tank put on it, or replace the rad, most, if not all after market repair kits are made of a different material then the tank on your rad, and as such, expand and contract at a different rate and never last very long, get the rad repaired properly, at a reputable, experienced repair shop, they may take it apart and discover that it has to be replaced but in the long run, it'll be cheaper then replaceing an over heated engine.

Answer 7

Alot of your vehicles come with plastic radiators. I have been in your situation in the past and these so called radiator sealant's do not work in the long term.

My advice to you to save yourself some more money and less aggravation. Is to just buy yourself a new radiator.

Answer 8

They do sell a plastic glue that you have to mix together however due to the heat and expansion in the radiator im not sure if it will work as ive never tried it before.

Answer 9

replace the radiator..... seriously. Quick fixes will cost you in the long run and are not good for your cooling system. Your cooling system likes water and if necessary anti-freeze. Avoid adding other things in there.

Throw in a couple of eggs, bit of flour and some widgets if you must but down the line I see overheating, clogged cooling passages, water pump failure etc

Answer 10

The radiator is in the front of the engine. It is that big cube that sits between the headlights under the hood. Hope that helps.