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General => General discussion => Topic started by: Seanl on 28 January 2011, 19:35

Title: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Seanl on 28 January 2011, 19:35
I have a leak in my coolant system. The level drops from full to the pressure light flashing in about 4 or 5 days. It looks like its coming from the radiator on the near side but I cant see exactly where. I am gonna investigate a bit more tomorrow by taking the bumper etc off, but if it is the radiator I was wondering if anyone thinks Radweld would work or if it should be steered well clear of! I also have another problem though, I read on ehow that Radweld should be poured into the expansion tank when the car is up to temperature. Problem I have though is that I think I have a duff Thermostat thats stuck half open as it gets to about 70 degrees and stays there! Just wanted to sort the leak before I replace the thermostat as I will be doing a flush and renewing the coolant anyway, and it seems pointless if its just gonna leak out anyway! Any suggestions please??? End of Rant!!!
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Thom89 on 28 January 2011, 19:44
Radweld is a bad idea, for many reasons, and is more trouble than its worth, just get a new Rad, and be done with it

Thom
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Wayne on 28 January 2011, 23:10
Radweld can cause more problems in the long run
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: danny_p on 28 January 2011, 23:41
K seal is better than radweld by a long way,   but ether are a bodge  if you like the car fix it properly if it's just a shed add whatever you like to the coolant
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: F17BAD on 29 January 2011, 12:16
new radiator - simple as that
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Seanl on 29 January 2011, 12:48
well, after a bit of investigation, I think its just coming from a poor seal from rad to the bottom hose. Cant see exactly where but it looks like it anyway (hopefully!!!). Will get a new hose and clips and do my flush and coolant renewal, and see what happens. Obviously stay away from any temporary repair after all the negative posts! And if its not sorted, will have to just get a new rad. Thanks for all the replies, Brutally honest as always! lol
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: MrBounce on 29 January 2011, 12:51
Radweld is only for those who can't be bothered to look after their car properly. As previously stated it is a bodge, though it can be a "get-you-home" emergency repair.

If you're not stuck anywhere, do the job properly.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Bellend on 29 January 2011, 13:14
Well it works temporary, but it's horrible stuff.

Put some in the Chrysler ages ago on holiday when it was seeping through the thermostat housing.

Got us home and then fully flushed it a number of times with a hoover and the hose.

But it goes brown and weird looking, not sludge but not as thin as water.

If you do use it in an emergancy, flush it and fix the leak ASAP.
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: tech1889 on 29 January 2011, 19:19
I've been told an egg or two can fix it as well done it on my mates fiesta ages ago lol
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: Seanl on 29 January 2011, 19:57
Apparently crushed black pepper works really well too. It expands when wet, and works its way into all the crevices. Dont think I would try it though but some people swear by it!
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: danny_p on 29 January 2011, 19:58
new radiator - simple as that

it's not that simpel,  a new radiator will cost money.  and that would mean spending money on a mk3 before scraping it and thats just wrong unless you like doing that sort of thing  :sick:
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: snifferdog on 29 January 2011, 20:00
Ive never had a problem with radweld, neither have any of my mates that have used it  :undecided:
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 29 January 2011, 23:12
Radweld is fine, as along as its only used once  :grin:
Title: Re: Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!
Post by: tony_ack on 30 January 2011, 23:02
Used it on my 306 TD when the matrix sprung a leak... that one use kept it going for another 2 years