Radiator stop leak

[Vettefan87]

Well a few months ago My radiator in my escort was leaking around the plastic end caps on the radiator. Since I did not have the money, or wanted to pull the radiator I put the alumunum stop leak stuff in there. Well a few days ago the coolant light came on and I decided I better check it and opened the cap on the radiator and the neck going into the radiator was just covered in that aluminum crap. Is that what the inside of the engine looks like too?

 

[hAZcAT]

I have used it in a few trucks, and my hot rod's first engine. I haven't had any problems with the alumunum seal.

 

[Hib Halverson]

1) A stop leak product is probably not going to fix a problem with tank to core seals.
2) Yes, that's what the inside of your engine looks like after you use a stop leak product.
3) What's worse about stop leak products is---yeah, they can fix small leaks in the radiator and they do that by coating the inside of the system with a sealing substance---they can inhibit the transfer of heat from the hot engine parts to the coolant.

Bottom line: stop leaks are a "bandaid" fix and, in some cases, once a permanent repair is acomplished, the engine will not cool as well afterwards.

 

[Rowdy1]

I've Never But.......

I can remember hearing it "may" also plug the heater core. Bandaids only cover the wound, they never fix it.

 

[Vettefan87]

Thanks guys. At least it is on a Ford :L. I would never think of putting it in my vette.