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Hi there, just after some advice, a teeny tiny pin prick of a hole has appeared on my radiator, firing a little jet of liquid out the front of the grill mesh. What are my options? Help!
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Depends whether it`s leaking due to rotting out because it`s not had antifreeze changes - or whether its stone damage or a stress fracture due to vibration/heating and cooling.
A can of RAD sealer (Halfords) might just work in both cases but it puts a `gunge` into the cooling system and I don`t like them. - if it`s the former its likely going to need a new radiator if that doesn`t work.
Best bet if you have time and don`t need it for work this morning is to look up local radiator repair specialists in Yellow Pages.
Edited by oilrag on 26/06/2009 at 08:59
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Thanks for this - it's not a stone chip, it's a tiny hole on the edge of one of the little edges of the matrix - it's an incredibly small stress crack I would suggest. Car has just been serviced too. Dammit. What would a specialist rad person suggest?
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Best you ring direct and describe it - these places will be opening right now at 8.30.
Can you let us know how it goes?
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Some would just toss a can of sealer in, others may drain the rad, dry it of and push plastic metal into it, perhaps using RAD sealer after that....
It just depends on your attitude to risk and how you feel about `bodges`..
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Some would just toss a can of sealer in
I've never previously had a problem when I've used Radweld. Mind you it was on a 1993 Cavalier with a leaking core plug that was impossible to get to without first removing the exhaust manifold. Also had good results with a leaking radiator on a Mk1 Astra as well. Not sure how a more modern car will cope with a sealer, but I imagine if the product were to cause damage then the maker would be responsible. You don't hear of Holts and the like being taken to court and being forced out of business.
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If you can see a jet of water I think that it is a significant leak and may not respond to added a radiator sealing liquid. However I think it is worth a try before taking it to a specialist. My local car accessory shop recommends K-Seal as the best available. It costs £10 and is available online at K-seal.co.uk.
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unless its on plastic and you can do a good repair yourself with jb weld fast cure then you really need the radiator off to a specialist,if you are lucky he will do the necessary new ends for about £70 all in
you fit
alternative is a good breaker with a good radiator,most of these swifts are pensioners cars with low mileage so you might drop on a beauty for £25
i wouldnt recommend any potions unless you are selling it
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I wouldnt recommend any potions unless you are selling it
Come on, BB - that's a snide remark. Are you saying that you WOULD recommend if you WERE selling it?
Yet another reason for us second-hand buyers to beware of traders ...
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i left that for ones own interpretation
I will repair with jb weld though and do if its going to be effective, a pressure test will confirm suitability
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Try Serck(halfords are agents) or other radiator firms for repair or exchange.
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OK - thanks all for your comments. In the end, balancing risk vs budget etc, I purchased some Radweld. Only trouble is, I'm a bit of a Radweld newbie! The radiator cap revealed the level was totally full - leaving me no room to add this stuff. Any advice??
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The radiator cap revealed the level was totally full - leaving me no room to add this stuff. Any advice??
Can't be leaking much!
Does it have a coolant expansion tank - there will be a tube leading from the top of the radiator to a separate (probably clearish) tank, which is where you normally add coolant?
If so, the radiator, will keep filling itself until the header tank is empty. You need to syphon coolant out of the radiator until the level drops a bit so you can get the Radweld in. Then top up the header tank to the min level (it'll be marked min & max).
Be aware that your really should top it up with coolant (ie not just water) either ready mixed or buy some antifreeze and mix your own. If you've been regularly topping up with water then you'll have weakened the anti-freeze strength. This is important even in summer as it also prevents corrosion.
Edited by Bill Payer on 27/06/2009 at 11:37
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A Blob of Araldite Glue has always worked for me (on countless old bangers in my youth) - Must be dry though.
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