Radiator stop leak recommendations

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My 05 Grand Caravan (182k) has developed a significant drip from the radiator. I don't want to replace it if I don't have to. Please recommend a good radiator stop leak.
 
You can try the aluminum in a tube kind or prestone super sealer I would only use half a bottle though.You can probably get a radiator for 100.00-125.00 maybe, that's the best option.Maybe have it pressure tested and see it could be a hose or anything really.
 
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You can try the bar's leak tablets, but they're really a short term solution. If the leak is in the plastic tank or rubber hose, nothing but replacement will help.

The silver solder or alumaseal have had good results too.
 
Any stop leak product will probably stop the leak for a while.
Maybe just long enough to last until you have to do a radiator replacement in the dead of winter.
It may also stop the leaks that are the tubes in the heater core.
Never a good thing, especially in an area that gets really cold each winter.
Most modern rads have plastic tanks.
They often split over time.
An ounce of prevention in this case would be to replace the rad.
You can use the stop leak to buy a little time to shop around for a radiator and wait for it to arrive.
You had best replace the thing.
I would.
 
For what it's worth, Subaru relabels Holt's Radweld as Subaru Cooling System Conditioner and mandates its use anytime the coolant is changed on certain model years.
 
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
You have to replace it.


This!!!

My father in law used the stop leak and it caused problems with the water pump.
 
A few years back I let my younger brother my car. He hit a raccoon and it smashed in the radiator. At the time the car had 250k miles and several problems. I used aluminum stop leak and it worked very well.
 
Get one the codes from Advance Auto parts from this website and use it to buy a new radiator. You can usually get one for around $100 or so.

Repairs like you want to do usually are a waste of money on the product you buy.
 
I successfully used the plain Bars Leak tabs in my brothers car. It held for quite a while and he eventually sold it.

I would not use any of the goop-in-a-can kinds, personally.

If you do some reading here I think you'll find that the plain tabs are relabled by some OEMs.
 
Like what others said above, if it's the plastic part of the radiator that's leaking, you'll have to replace it. I wouldn't want anything from a stop-leak in a can damaging the water pump and other sensors in the cooling system. That'll cost you more later on.
 
From what i can tell, the leak is in the plastic. The vehicle is a town vehicle, to and from work. Will have to find the time, money and motivation to replace it.
 
I paid less than $100 on a Chinese made Japanese branded Koyorad for my Nissan when the plastic tank cracked at the filler. Best purchase I've ever made. Sealers are intended for breakdowns in BFE, not for permanent repairs. Just keep adding water until you fix it right.
 
Originally Posted By: otis24
My 05 Grand Caravan (182k) has developed a significant drip from the radiator. I don't want to replace it if I don't have to. Please recommend a good radiator stop leak.


I was never a fan of any kind of sealers but I had to use one on my old Escort. ABRO Powder works great, only small amount is needed to seel the radiator. 2 years later still works and there is no residue in system.
 
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