Radweld (type products) - general consensus?
Poll: Radweld (type products) - general consensus?
Total Members Polled: 72
Discussion
There seems to be mixed opinion from what I can see in the history abut whether or not to go near something like this to try and fix leaks. Wanted to get a good feel based on experience and/or expertise before going down the "Radweld", versus "into the shop" decision.
Thought it might make for an interesting (ish) poll...
Thought it might make for an interesting (ish) poll...
Edited by The_Edge on Thursday 7th October 07:50
I've used it before on both K and T series engined rovers with no issues, however I wouldn't put it in my TVR - i'd find the problem and cure it.
I don't advocate it's usage widespread, it's more of an emergency get-you-home thing in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't leave it in there any longer than is strictly necessary.
I don't advocate it's usage widespread, it's more of an emergency get-you-home thing in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't leave it in there any longer than is strictly necessary.
I've used a similar product. Can't remember what it's called but I have posted here before about it, a search might find it. It's a less recognised than Radweld and I have had it in probably 4 years with no issues, cooling is fine and no more leaks.
My small leak was the usual place in the bottom right of the rad as you look from behind.
So yes, as 4 or more years will testify it works well with absolutely no detrimental effects.
Edited to add....that's in my Chimaera ot the Cerbera - forgot which forum I was in!
My small leak was the usual place in the bottom right of the rad as you look from behind.
So yes, as 4 or more years will testify it works well with absolutely no detrimental effects.
Edited to add....that's in my Chimaera ot the Cerbera - forgot which forum I was in!
Edited by .Mark on Thursday 7th October 09:01
V8 GRF said:
It doesn't just fill holes in the rad it blocks up everything..... option 4 was my vote.
No it doesn't. (It is even specified by Jaguar as a standard addition to the V12 radiator in the XJS, every time you drain and refill it.)However I would only ever use it as an emergency "get you home" fix. It is no substitute for a permanent repair.
I used some recently as a temporary fix until until I had time to change the rad and it worked a treat. The good stuff stays liquid and only goes hard when it heats up and comes in contact with air so should only block leaks, if you have a particularly bad rad then it may cause you a problem but I would have absolutely no problem using it.
My 2p's worth....
There are different types of radiator leak sealer. There are some stop leaks for minor issues, some further leak sealers like K-Seal (Rover K seris quick fix) and the traditional 'dog turd' style products that mobile technicans use - looks like Oxo cube and bungs everything up. And of course... The trusty EGG remedy.
VW Golf water systems were notorious for leaking from the heater matrix as well as other places, some people found this a hastle to change as it was behind the dash and garages charge high for a low cost vehicle. Use a rad sealer and everything stops, you lose heater etc.
They work differently on different cars with varying results depending on strength.
My opinion.... I love my TVR. Dont use it, get it done properly and stop being a tight wad. I wont use it, unless I'm in the crap, in France for example.
There are different types of radiator leak sealer. There are some stop leaks for minor issues, some further leak sealers like K-Seal (Rover K seris quick fix) and the traditional 'dog turd' style products that mobile technicans use - looks like Oxo cube and bungs everything up. And of course... The trusty EGG remedy.
VW Golf water systems were notorious for leaking from the heater matrix as well as other places, some people found this a hastle to change as it was behind the dash and garages charge high for a low cost vehicle. Use a rad sealer and everything stops, you lose heater etc.
They work differently on different cars with varying results depending on strength.
My opinion.... I love my TVR. Dont use it, get it done properly and stop being a tight wad. I wont use it, unless I'm in the crap, in France for example.
Forget radweld this stuff is far superior:
http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?secpath=01.0...
used by some OEMS to fix porous castings and doesn't clog water ways
http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?secpath=01.0...
used by some OEMS to fix porous castings and doesn't clog water ways
Not for the TVR as it just seems so wrong to bodge such a vehicle.
But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Edited by grovest on Thursday 7th October 20:48
Another vote for K-Seal.
Wasn't a fan of these types of product until I was pointed at this one. You can tell if a car has it in, there's a kind of copper/gold sheen on the water surface. Seems to hang around too; I split the bottom hose on my 4.5 on a track day recently and blew out just about all the water. Fitted a new hose, filled/bled the system and there was still copper/gold on the water surface. I guess the bottle I put in - to cure a very slight weep somewhere near/on the water pump - went in about two years ago.
Wasn't a fan of these types of product until I was pointed at this one. You can tell if a car has it in, there's a kind of copper/gold sheen on the water surface. Seems to hang around too; I split the bottom hose on my 4.5 on a track day recently and blew out just about all the water. Fitted a new hose, filled/bled the system and there was still copper/gold on the water surface. I guess the bottle I put in - to cure a very slight weep somewhere near/on the water pump - went in about two years ago.
grovest said:
Not for the TVR as it just seems so wrong to bodge such a vehicle.
But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in a used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
I used K seal and it blocked the small pipe to the expansion tank causeing it to over heat but when topping up it looked ok I.E water upto the correct level, I thought it was a head gasket until I drained and flushed the system and found the causeBut I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in a used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Whether you choose to put these products in or not (I wouldnt) I think you need to be sure you know what leak it is trying to fix. If you dont know where the leak is then you cant be sure the product is right anyway. So find the problem and fix it, may just be a loose hose. After all the work you have had done the garage should just fix etc at the drop of a hat. After so much work am afraid you kinda gotta expect leaks.
grovest said:
Not for the TVR as it just seems so wrong to bodge such a vehicle.
But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Worst case today! Heater started to blow cold followed by the STOP low coolant message on the dash, and recovery to have a new rad fitted! VW 1 : TVR 0 (breakdowns) hah!But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Edited by grovest on Thursday 7th October 20:48
grovest said:
grovest said:
Not for the TVR as it just seems so wrong to bodge such a vehicle.
But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Worst case today! Heater started to blow cold followed by the STOP low coolant message on the dash, and recovery to have a new rad fitted! VW 1 : TVR 0 (breakdowns) hah!But I had an annoying slow leak on my Passat that lost about half a pint every 2 months. I looked everywhere, had the system pressurised, had the pump changed as the bearing was getting a bit wobbly, new reservoir cap, more looking everywhere again then gave in and used Kalimex K-Seal. They "guarantee" it for the life of the engine and it is supposed to be one of the best of these potions. Has worked as stated and no problems in six months. Then again, it's an eleven year old bus that owes me nothing, so worst case would be total loss of coolant and a recovery.
Edited by grovest on Thursday 7th October 20:48
Well, hope wherever you are it didn't mean building an igloo to keep you from suffering too badly from exposure due to the weather!How much is a new rad (all in) just out of interest?
My MX-5 has had numerous k-seal applications in the past. As soon as I got it I fixed the actual problem, which was a faulty water pump. I've drained and refilled the coolant about three times since, but there's still sludge in there. Any tips on getting it out? It's like I need to pressure wash it out or something!
HereBeMonsters said:
My MX-5 has had numerous k-seal applications in the past. As soon as I got it I fixed the actual problem, which was a faulty water pump. I've drained and refilled the coolant about three times since, but there's still sludge in there. Any tips on getting it out? It's like I need to pressure wash it out or something!
I thought the vendor of said sludge provided the product to do just that. Positive I saw them somewhere... I'm sure Google will throw them up...Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff