overheating, I'm stumped. Options

[laff09]

They sell a product spec. for small leaks in radiators... I want to say silver nitrate...PLEASE dont quote me on that. Either way, its about the size of a film canister and has silver (color) flakes that you put right into the coolant, and it collects and forms a powerful enough seal to take care of any small leaks, ie poor welds. Used it on my 96 camry after the rad started leaking a bit, cleared it all up and no issues since then (over a year and a half). Im gonna go see if I can't google ya up somethin..

[laff09]

http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_mech.htm

Wasn't what I was looking for, but should do the trick just the same.


Also found something called Moroso Ceramic Seal, which is more expensive (about $20 for a 16oz bottle i believe). Apparently from what I've been reading is the best thing you can use. It seals any leaks, leaving behind a smooth ceramic finish that transfers heat better than say aluminum. Its 18.95 from http://www.performanceunlimited.com/cobrav...ladditives.html .
"The ultimate would have to be Moroso's Ceramic Seal, for racing. Real friendly
to the cooling system and seals up gaps up to 1/4"! Safe for heater cores and
the such, but a bit pricey ($20). It works, and works well. Most of the racers
put it in the block BEFORE the big race, so it will automatically seal any leaks
if they happen during the race. I've used it several times, and found nothing
better for a nearly permanent repair. just dump it in the radiator, run it 24hrs
and dump the coolant. Refill, and all done. "
-Randall J.Thomas
President - A.A.T. Advanced Automotive Technologies Corporation
Owner - Performance Unlimited 4-Wheel & Off-Road Center



Hope this helps.

This post has been edited by laff09: Feb 17, 2007 - 4:43 PM

[Manny]

http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_mech.htm

Wasn't what I was looking for, but should do the trick just the same.


Also found something called Moroso Ceramic Seal, which is more expensive (about $20 for a 16oz bottle i believe). Apparently from what I've been reading is the best thing you can use. It seals any leaks, leaving behind a smooth ceramic finish that transfers heat better than say aluminum. Its 18.95 from http://www.performanceunlimited.com/cobrav...ladditives.html .
"The ultimate would have to be Moroso's Ceramic Seal, for racing. Real friendly
to the cooling system and seals up gaps up to 1/4"! Safe for heater cores and
the such, but a bit pricey ($20). It works, and works well. Most of the racers
put it in the block BEFORE the big race, so it will automatically seal any leaks
if they happen during the race. I've used it several times, and found nothing
better for a nearly permanent repair. just dump it in the radiator, run it 24hrs
and dump the coolant. Refill, and all done. "
-Randall J.Thomas
President - A.A.T. Advanced Automotive Technologies Corporation
Owner - Performance Unlimited 4-Wheel & Off-Road Center



Hope this helps.

Good info!! Thanks for the research....

[6strngs]

yeah, when my oem radiator started leaking I tried using JB weld. but it didn't work very well and looked like $#!T. I'll check and make sure I'm still full with coolant tomorrow, and if not then I know I have a leak and I'll start looking into what I can do to repair it. they sell alot of radiator leak stopping stuff at any parts store. both stuff to dump into the radiator and stuff you use on the outside. I'll look into it if I determine it is in fact a leak. thanks!

[alltracman78]

Hold on.

Do NOT use any kind of pellet/dust radiator sealer as ANY more than a short term fix.
It can and will clog other parts of your cooling system.
Therm, heater core, heater valve, pump, any eddy point are ALL places this crap will want to sit.
Which is bad.
It should work fine for a short term fix, but it NEEDS to come out. And when it does, get a coolant flush.
That ceramic stuff I don't know about. Honestly, I wouldn't be inclined to try that either. What works on race engines isn't always good on regular ones. But I don't know anything about that stuff, so...

What you should do if it's leaking is replace it. Or see if it can be repaired.

[laff09]

hehe, never had a problem with the flakes.

[alltracman78]

I have used them once before for a short term solution. It's great for that.
But if you leave it in the system is when it can cause problems.
IMO not a good permanent fix at all....

[6strngs]

Hold on.

Do NOT use any kind of pellet/dust radiator sealer as ANY more than a short term fix.
It can and will clog other parts of your cooling system.
Therm, heater core, heater valve, pump, any eddy point are ALL places this crap will want to sit.
Which is bad.
It should work fine for a short term fix, but it NEEDS to come out. And when it does, get a coolant flush.
That ceramic stuff I don't know about. Honestly, I wouldn't be inclined to try that either. What works on race engines isn't always good on regular ones. But I don't know anything about that stuff, so...

What you should do if it's leaking is replace it. Or see if it can be repaired.

I agree. I was kinda iffy about adding anything to the coolant. if anything, I would probably weld/braze it back together or contact Koyo and probably get a replacement (no reason why it should be leaking after only like 2000-3000 miles of use.)