Radiator Sealer

Since a lot of you boys are giving me such a hard time about my use of the radiator sealer, was wondering if anyone could give me an actual instance where it has in fact failed and/or not worked as it should?

I've been using the stuff since I was old enough to walk; don't know a mechanic under the sun that doesn't use it and can't ever remember it not doing the job as advertised to cure a "weep".

No, it won't work on water pumps and not on the newer plastic radiators. I'm talking about a 30-year-old copper radiator here.

And no, it doesn't plug the cores either, as it needs to hit the air to congel/seal.

Other than the poor-boy, "social stigma" can ya give me a real reason why not to use it?

Allan

MAY GOD BLESS THE USA

Because it doesnt fix the problem! You of all people should know better than to band aid something. While I understand in a pinch it can be ok, its not a proper repair. I have never, ever has that stuff work like its suppose to.

First time using Alumaseal was when working at a gas station when was like 15 or so. Someone came in late while was by myself with a leak, and sure was Alumaseal on the shelf, so Alumaseal I dumped in. Not peppered in, DUMPED in. It went straight down and globbed over the tubes like a pyramid. I ended up staying late to try and pick that pyramid out of there and clean the tube openings. At temperature, that Alumaseal globs real good if an idiot like me does it wrong...just like a pyramid.

This one wasn't even bad enough to "drip". Darned thing was just damp.

Probably should have pulled it tho. :>)

Allan

Glad you got it home Allan.

Jim

Looks like it is going to shake out at somewhere around $7K when it is all over and done with. That includes buying back the machine with both heads plus the transport of the engine from Indiana.

Still gotta buy a few bearings, belts and chains tho, so it will be interesting to see how the chips add up when it's all done.

Allan

You seem to me to be well smart enough to know when to quit pouring the stuff in. Bottom line is, it`s easy to give the `fix it right `advice when it`s someone elses dime doin the fixin.

It`s your money, your machine, do it the way you want.

BTW, if ya ain`t busy and want to make a trip north, I have a sudden 700 epidemic around the shop here. I have 4 of the old girls here now, with probably a few more on the way. I`ll even have em R&R`d for ya. You can take your pick...

I went for a tour through Gopher engine rebuilders and they threw a pellet in each freeze plug hole before installing plugs.

Now I admit that some products look like wet malt o meal and could clog.I use Bar's pellets or powder tube and have never had an ill effect.Totally sold on the stuff.

Dunno, I've cured some real leakers with the stuff and never have known one to come unraveled yet.

Allan

I think the key phrase is "use in moderation"

Copper seal on a copper core, aluminum on an aluminum core.

Jim

Trouble is, they always come back with portions of the core "blocked off" to cure the leak, effectively "downsizing" the radiator.

A re-core is certainly an option, but expensive.

Allan

Plugged in the engine heater, completely covered the radiator with cardboard and ran the duffer for over an hour and a half yesterday.

Never could get the old hooter to really warm up, let alone get hot. :>)

I just kinda got tickled at all these guys saying, "Shame on you". Don't know if I'll ever be able to hold my head up in public again. :>)

Allan