GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: GGGti75 on 23 February 2010, 13:58

Title: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: GGGti75 on 23 February 2010, 13:58
I've checked out a few threads about this and it seems to be a 50/50 split.

some say don't use radweld at all and some say it works fine to seal the heater matrix. I was wondering if anyone has tried it recently and give me your thoughts please.

Cheers in advance
 
P.S. the condensation on the windows is bustin my tights man :angry:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: Horney on 23 February 2010, 14:04
Yes you can but NO you shouldn't. It gunks up the rest of the cooling system. Get a new matrix and fix it poperly. You'll get good cooling and good heating.

nick
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: GGGti75 on 23 February 2010, 15:05
yeh, i'm just looking for a quick fix till the better weather comes, i know its a pain in the ass job
Cheers
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: Wayne on 23 February 2010, 21:16
Don't use radweld it will cause you loads of issues in the long run.
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 23 February 2010, 21:56
Always used radwell with no issues, it will only work with small leaks.
Its not recommended to be used with an old Rover model with a small heater pipe, can't remember each one  :grin:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: GGGti75 on 24 February 2010, 10:45
Well, I used it and it seems to have done the job, hopefully, still got a bit of misting on the windows but i need to dry out the carpets.

Cheers
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: christomk3gti on 24 February 2010, 12:38
not a good idea really it can easily block up the waterways all around your engine, hense hot spots. I have used it on a leaky radiator once but I knew the car wasnt going to last much longer. I wouldnt put radweld in my golf. no way ho say.  :grin:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: Wayne on 24 February 2010, 12:39
not a good idea really it can easily block up the waterways all around your engine, hense hot spots. I have used it on a leaky radiator once but I knew the car wasnt going to last much longer. I wouldnt put radweld in my golf. no way ho say.  :grin:

+1 never liked the stuff.
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 24 February 2010, 12:41
not a good idea really it can easily block up the waterways all around your engine, hense hot spots. I have used it on a leaky radiator once but I knew the car wasnt going to last much longer. I wouldnt put radweld in my golf. no way ho say.  :grin:

All these sealing products remain in liquid form until they reach the leaking point, so they don't tend to clog up the cooling system. Unless you put in 10 bottles  :grin:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: christomk3gti on 24 February 2010, 12:44
not a good idea really it can easily block up the waterways all around your engine, hense hot spots. I have used it on a leaky radiator once but I knew the car wasnt going to last much longer. I wouldnt put radweld in my golf. no way ho say.  :grin:

All these sealing products remain in liquid form until they reach the leaking point, so they don't tend to clog up the cooling system. Unless you put in 10 bottles  :grin:

Ok, so for eg, if you have a really thin diameter water way, the sealing stuff will not think this is a leak and seal it then??? or does it have to be in contact with lets say (air for it to seal) due to a hole somewhere...
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 24 February 2010, 12:48
As far as i know it reacts with air when its heated, a bit like a egg.
I don't think these products are bad, the problem is people that use them.
My brother is a good example, he would just keep pouring more bottles of the stuff in until the leak stopped  :rolleyes: :grin:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: christomk3gti on 24 February 2010, 12:55
right. so its for small holes then.... and if it was mine that was leaking, personally i would replace it, i honestly dont trust the stuff myself.
although like you said its safe to use on small leaks to me that is irrelivant. unless in an emergency of course  :grin:  :grin:
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 24 February 2010, 12:56
Correct, its only meant for small leaks.
Even then sometimes its only a temporary measure.
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: weazgti on 24 February 2010, 21:14
As far as i know it reacts with air when its heated, a bit like a egg.
I don't think these products are bad, the problem is people that use them.
My brother is a good example, he would just keep pouring more bottles of the stuff in until the leak stopped  :rolleyes: :grin:

My mk2 had all the waterways in the headgasket solid with what i can only think of is 10 bottles of radweld.
All the flanges on the head were stuck on aswell with some rubbery crap inside.
Title: Re: can i use RADWELD for a leaking Matrix??
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 24 February 2010, 21:39
As far as i know it reacts with air when its heated, a bit like a egg.
I don't think these products are bad, the problem is people that use them.
My brother is a good example, he would just keep pouring more bottles of the stuff in until the leak stopped  :rolleyes: :grin:

My mk2 had all the waterways in the headgasket solid with what i can only think of is 10 bottles of radweld.
All the flanges on the head were stuck on aswell with some rubbery crap inside.

That's exactly what i talking about, some people just have to abuse it  :grin: