k my coolants been leaking the past couple days. so i went out and bought some coolant, as well as bar's leaks solution. do i fill it up in the reservoir, or the radiator itself. step-by-step directions here. i am completely new to this.
2007-11-14 10:02:31 · 10 answers · asked by poopstar 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First things first... where is it leaking? If a hose replace it before it bust on you, water pump, fix it before it fails. How old is the car.. don't use bar's leak or anything else unless the car is old and you don't care about what happens. I have a leak in my 1990 with 180,000 miles on it. The leak is on the side (plastic part) and will only get it repaired. I don't really care about the truck, but don't want to be walking some night if it decides to fail completely.
2007-11-14 10:12:27 · answer #1 · answered by Really ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just pour it in the radiator...
When there's a leak in the system, it's unlikely much coolant will be forced into the reservoir when it's hot or drawn out from the reservoir as it cools due to the loss of pressure in the cooling system.
It's only an emergency fix though. It won't work if your water pump bearing is leaking or for any other large leak...
You need to find out what's leaking and have it fixed properly before more damage is done.
Leak sealer is generally safe to use. It's actually added by many car manufacturers to prevent gasket seepage and extend gasket life. I always add some when I change the coolant. Although, if it doesn't stop your leak, always having air in the system may cause sludge blockage in the radiator, heat exchanger, etc... Always better to repair any leak properly and as soon as possible.
2007-11-14 18:06:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Add to radiator. Top off the radiator by adding coolant to reservoir. Unless you are lucky enough to have one of those that doesn't have a radiator cap.
This is only good for an emergency fix. Save yourself a lot of grief, and the cost of a new radiator (and possibly water pump) by taking it in to a shop where you can actually find the leak and have it repaired.
Once you start adding sealers to your cooling system it gets deposited in places in the engine that will never get cleaned out and will affect your cooling system negatively.
2007-11-14 18:14:30 · answer #3 · answered by storm 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I prefer "alumaseal" over any other sealer, it works much better, at any rate, fill the radiator to within 1-2 inches of the fill cap with WATER, then add the leak sealer and run the vehicle as directed, usually at least drive it for an hour to get it good and hot and to circulate the sealant, then shut it down and let it cool. Then drain the water out and refill with the correct mix of water/coolant, usually 50/50. replace the cap, and hope it sealed. If it is a big leak, it needs to be pressure tested and welded, if the leak is in the "fin " area of the radiator and not too large, these usually seal very well. If it is in the "tank" area of the radiator, these seal sometimes, but again, not if it is very big. If it is in the tank area of the radiator, and you can get to it, I prefer to seal this area with a "gas tank sealer", It looks like playdough, comes in a long roll about the size of a large tootsie roll. You just cut off a piece about the size of a large marble and work it like clay untill it is soft and well mixed, then apply it to the hole, let dry, and it becomes a perminent repair.
Good luck.
2007-11-14 18:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by randy 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The coolant should be added to the reservoir. The Bars Leak should be taken back to where you purchased it for a refund! Don't use that crap! If you have a leak in your cooling system, then get it fixed properly.i,e. if it's a hose replace it, if it's a leaking radiator have it repaired! The bars Leak will plug up the bottom of your radiator and you'll wind up having to buy a new one, or at least a new core.
2007-11-14 18:09:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
If you're certain the leak is in the radiator body or resevoir, then I would put the treatment in the resevoir. For most treatments the motor should be warmed up & operated for a while, it needs to circulate thru the heater system as well.
2007-11-14 18:12:12 · answer #6 · answered by Rex K 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you sure that will help, check to see where the leak is coming from, it could just be a hose, becareful about pouring stop leak into you car, it could cause you more problems.
2007-11-14 18:07:25 · answer #7 · answered by phoebostitan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you fill it up in the radiator it self, but i also think i know where your leaking coolant. its most likey because you neen a new radiator hose. it happened to my freinds neon.
2007-11-14 18:08:13 · answer #8 · answered by Brett T 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
"New!" to avoid any mistakes or further problems go to a Good Radiator Shop and as they do it they'll show if you ask, Nicely!
2007-11-14 19:05:39 · answer #9 · answered by sidecar0 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pour it directly into the radiator. Please see the link below for details. Somtimes these products do the trick but be prepared for it not working completely.
2007-11-14 18:07:25 · answer #10 · answered by julz 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋