Radiator has a leak

[illusion88]

So my radiator has a leak in it. I found it yesterday. I just discovered the source of the leak is this seam right under the cap. Do you think I could toss some glue on there and call it a day? What sort of glue might I require?

My other question is... if I add a bunch of fluid, could I drive it a few miles to the mechanic? I would watch the heat gauge religiously (and this appeared to work to get me home yesterday).

 

[Gibson486]

yes, that would work (the adding fluid, not glue)......

 

[SuperSix]

There's no good long-term fix for a leaking radiator - except a new radiator. JBWeld *may* work, most of the "Stop Leak" chemicals do more long-term damage than help.

Get a new (or a good junkyard) radiator stat.

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: SuperSix
There's no good long-term fix for a leaking radiator - except a new radiator. JBWeld *may* work, most of the "Stop Leak" chemicals do more long-term damage than help.

Get a new (or a good junkyard) radiator stat.

pepper fixes most small leaks. We have been using it for years in some older stuff.

 

[steppinthrax]

JB weld makes a compound designed for fixed underwater and can work underwater. Since it's right under your cap if you can put your finger down the cap and feel the crack you should be able to fix it from the inside and outside. It's called JB weld water weld. It comes in a clear plastic tube and you kneed it with your hands. You place it where the crack is pressing it in the crack and it hardens. It can be placed in water on the crack as well. If you fix it from the inside as well as the outside it should work well. I used this stuff on a radiator that was cracked on the corner. It lasted 6 months before it poped off.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

What kind of car is it? after market radiators aren't that expensive. Last time I looked at getting a radiator for a 91 Trans AM it was less than $200. Installation of one is not that hard either.

Is it a metal radiator or plastic? If it's plastic you can fix it with PVC cement or Weld-On as it will not glue it back together, but actually melt the plastic together forming a bond as tight as a solid piece.

If it is metal, a mechanic could just spot weld it if it is a small crack.