My Radiator Leaks? Does this Radiator Leak Sealant Stuff Work?

Question

I have a '93 Mazda MX-3. The radiator leaks from the drivers side towards the top once its full and once the temp gets high. I'm able to drive about 9 miles with out problem and the temp doesn't overheat but of course since its leaking if I went much further you know it'd only be a matter of time before it did overheat. I've seen stuff like radiator leak sealant that you pour in that supposedly fixes it. How good is that stuff. I don't want to pour it in and make it worse. I don't have $200 this month to get a new one and at minimum even with the leak, I get to and from work which I wouldn't be able to do if the stuff makes matters worse. What do you all think? And if I use this stuff how long will it hold? A week? Two weeks? A month?

Answer 1

First I would visit a radiator shop  to see if it can be repaired. usually if it is  leaking along a seam,it can be repaired for about 50.00. I had the plastic tank replaced and the radiator tubes cleaned out on my 2003 Impala for 75.00. Only as a last resort should leak sealant be used, mainly because it could block the tubes that run from side to side on the radiator.  

Answer 2

Radiator additives are intended to stop pin-hole sized leaks, so if your leak is larger than that it probably will not work. Adding these to older higher mileage cars can cause problems in thermostats and water pumps. If you can easily see and access the leak, try JB weld this will give you a solid seal and will not effect any internal components. Otherwise you may end up needing a new radiator.

Answer 3

It will work but its only a temporarly fix, if you want try and add it then get it repaired asap don't let it sit any longer than is has to.And you should be fine.GL

Answer 4

Yes those things do work ive had to do it before on my personel car when i couldnt afford a new rad. They can hold for a very long time too just dont buy the cheapest one you can find, also you can you an egg, ive done this before too and it worked awsomely!! Though I dont suggest that for you unless you done it before just get the sealent stuff youll be happy with it and it will stop it long enough to save up for a new radiator, Good Luck!!

Answer 5

fix it right would be smarter.. call any aprts store for price and do the job your self .. have a radiator shop make repairs if you can .. and even thro the stuff works sometime and sometimes not.. most of the time it does more damage costing you more by stoping up thing you dont need to be... fix it right would be cheaper in the long run

Answer 6

1-800-radiator will deliver one to your door step.as for the seal stuff yea.it works depending on how bad your leak.use the flake type stuff it won't block up your eng. just use as much as you think it may need.call that number their prices are great.