Radweld - Good or Bad??? + Suggestions/Help!

[Seanl]

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!!!

[Thom89]

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

[Wayne]

Radweld can cause more problems in the long run

[danny_p]

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

[F17BAD]

new radiator - simple as that

[Seanl]

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

[MrBounce]

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. 

[Bellend]

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.

[tech1889]

I've been told an egg or two can fix it as well done it on my mates fiesta ages ago lol

[Seanl]

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!