K-Seal for repairing leaking radiator?
Discussion
Hi all
I recently bought my '94 Chimaera 4.0, and have noticed that it's losing water round the radiator. It's not losing a massive amount, and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience of using K-Seal to solve the problem until winter?
Failing this, does anyone know of a competitive company based in Essex (I'm round the Braintree/Colchester area) where I could perhaps get the rad re-cored, or even a replacement?
I apologise for all the questions, I've only had the car two weeks so I'm new to the TVR fold, and LOVING IT! :)
Thanking you all in advance
Chris
I recently bought my '94 Chimaera 4.0, and have noticed that it's losing water round the radiator. It's not losing a massive amount, and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience of using K-Seal to solve the problem until winter?
Failing this, does anyone know of a competitive company based in Essex (I'm round the Braintree/Colchester area) where I could perhaps get the rad re-cored, or even a replacement?
I apologise for all the questions, I've only had the car two weeks so I'm new to the TVR fold, and LOVING IT! :)
Thanking you all in advance
Chris
Don't use the Rad repair stuff as it may cause more problems. May I recommend Colchester Radiator Specialists, I used them to do mine and found them v professional. They are on the Hythe industrial estate. I’m in Braintree and that was the closest place I could find… BTW copper uprated recore was about £100 if i remeber rightly....
>> Edited by everitj on Tuesday 14th June 11:09
>> Edited by everitj on Tuesday 14th June 11:09
Hi there
Thankyou for the advice, it is most appreciated - I just wanted someone else to confirm the doubts I have had regarding this. Strangely enough somebody else has recommended that same company, so I'll give them a call!
I have a 94 Starmist Green 4.0 Chim, only bought it a couple of weeks ago. I actually live in Castle Hedingham, I said Braintree due to it being the next large town!
Once again, thanks for the advice - I'll give that company in Colchester a call!
Chris
Thankyou for the advice, it is most appreciated - I just wanted someone else to confirm the doubts I have had regarding this. Strangely enough somebody else has recommended that same company, so I'll give them a call!
I have a 94 Starmist Green 4.0 Chim, only bought it a couple of weeks ago. I actually live in Castle Hedingham, I said Braintree due to it being the next large town!
Once again, thanks for the advice - I'll give that company in Colchester a call!
Chris
If you are going to try to 'fix' the leak then use Wynns rad sealant. This stuff seems very effective without clogging things up like some other brands do. Once it's started leaking, you can expect it to get worse and worse. Ultimately you will need to replace or repair the radiator. Depending how bad it is, you may find Wynns will keep you going for a few months while you sort the problem out.
Hi
Thanks for the advice - I think to be on the safe side, and avoid false economy I'll just get the rad repaired/recored - before I do this, how can I check that it is definitely the "radiator" rather than connecting hoses? - the leak is directly beneath the radiator, with a small amount of water (complete with Antifreeze) collecting on the body just beneath it.
If there's any plugs/hoses etc that can be checked then any advice will be appreciated - I'm prepared for the worst, but if it's something I can do myself obviously I'm a happy man!
When it comes to removing the Rad, is this something easily completed by myself? I have some mechanical knowledge, although do not own the "bible" as yet, if it can save me some cash in labour then if anyone has a copy they want to sell, or can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated!
Chris
Thanks for the advice - I think to be on the safe side, and avoid false economy I'll just get the rad repaired/recored - before I do this, how can I check that it is definitely the "radiator" rather than connecting hoses? - the leak is directly beneath the radiator, with a small amount of water (complete with Antifreeze) collecting on the body just beneath it.
If there's any plugs/hoses etc that can be checked then any advice will be appreciated - I'm prepared for the worst, but if it's something I can do myself obviously I'm a happy man!
When it comes to removing the Rad, is this something easily completed by myself? I have some mechanical knowledge, although do not own the "bible" as yet, if it can save me some cash in labour then if anyone has a copy they want to sell, or can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated!
Chris
misterchris said:
Hi
Thanks for the advice - I think to be on the safe side, and avoid false economy I'll just get the rad repaired/recored - before I do this, how can I check that it is definitely the "radiator" rather than connecting hoses? - the leak is directly beneath the radiator, with a small amount of water (complete with Antifreeze) collecting on the body just beneath it.
I think you're best bet is to dry the whole area up and then run the car on the drive with the bonnet up. You should soon find out where the leak is when it comes up to to temperature. It might well just be a jubilee clip on the top or bottom hose that needs tightening/replacing.

Thanks for all the advice everyone, it is really nice to be welcomed into the community so kindly!
I will take a quick look once the car is stationary, and I've dried round the area to see if it is a clip, although it does appear as if the leak is below the rad!
I've definitely decided not to go with the K-Seal option!
Chris
I will take a quick look once the car is stationary, and I've dried round the area to see if it is a clip, although it does appear as if the leak is below the rad!
I've definitely decided not to go with the K-Seal option!
Chris
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