Radiator Leak!

Lovedoctor · Post by **Lovedoctor** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:17 pm

Walking toward my car this afternoon noticed a wee pool of liquid under the car. Quick inspection then Sump guard off confirmed my radiator is leaking fluid. Just got one issue sorted and another raises its head

The fluid appears to be seeping from where I have circled - at the join between the silver/black metals on the nearside of the car. Is there a way to stem this leak without the need for a new radiator? I checked my radiator level and it certainly seemed ok! Cheers

The "S" express · Post by **honda-hardy** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:29 pm

put some k seal in it?

best on market.

There are a few "stop leak" products that dont have great reviews, but Forte stop leak and K seal are recommended by the motor trade as proven performers...

Just my two penneth worth

Post by **Vtecmec** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:40 pm

£50 for a replacement rad on ebay.

I would never use stop leak stuff, never works permanently and not good for the cooling system.

Lovedoctor · Post by **Lovedoctor** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:10 pm

Vtecmec wrote:£50 for a replacement rad on ebay.

I would never use stop leak stuff, never works permanently and not good for the cooling system.

I understand that - thanks for the reply. I wouldnt be keen to put that sort of stuff in the radiator for the risk of damaging something else. The 'leak' is where it appears the two parts meet. Would this indicate a rubber seal has perished and that could be replaced instead rather than the full unit??

Post by **Vtecmec** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:16 pm

'Fraid not, the rad is not designed to be prised apart and disassembled, it's a machine pressed manufacture and not economically fixable. Sorry.

Lovedoctor · Post by **Lovedoctor** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:32 pm

Vtecmec wrote:'Fraid not, the rad is not designed to be prised apart and disassembled, it's a machine pressed manufacture and not economically fixable. Sorry.

Oh your full of positive info

Are the Ebay Rads any good?

The "S" express · Post by **honda-hardy** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 12:16 am

your first post asked for a fix without buying a radiator? Then you say you wont use a radiator fix solution. Now your considering the worst option! A cheap ebay radiator

your best going to your local auto factors. If you know a garage or mechanic ask them to order you one at trade price and get them to say they will send someone to pick it up, ie you with cash. You can buy a decent reputable one for just under £70.

The "S" express · Post by **honda-hardy** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 12:21 am

another idea is to buy some liquid metal and seal it. Its like blue tak. Comes as an unmixed roll/tube. cut a length off and need it with your fingers to mix the outer and inner like you would filler and smear it around the hole

littlefeller · Post by **littlefeller** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:36 am

i have used arraldite before, not on the lude but on a ford, lasted 3 years before i sold it, and was still going strong at this point

silicon sealer may also work. these shouldnt be considered permanent fixes (same as k seal) but it does delay the enevitable new rad. the only problem i have with temp repaires is they can leave you stranded

but if it isnt loosing too much then just pluging the hole may last years

Post by **Vtecmec** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:24 am

Lovedoctor wrote:Oh your full of positive info Are the Ebay Rads any good?

From personal experience I've not had an issue with the ebay rad I have.