Radweld!

[tsunami]

Hi just got some of this to try and cure a very minor radiator leak. It says to pour it into the radiator? does this mean put it into the coolant tank? or is there a way to put this straight into the radiator? Novice help please

p.s. i have a 2000 golf tdi

[Ben]

Typical instructions. TBH i havn't a clue but the way you phrased the question has put me in to fits of giggles

[Lex Luthor]

Please replace the radiator rather than put glue in the coolant system....

[Super-G]

Yeah, as suggested. It would be best to buy a new rad, as this stuff can block up your whole cooling system, causing overheating. The word 'can' must be used very loosely though. I've used this in the past to fix a crack in the rad and a leaky water pump seal, it work ok.

Make sure your coolant is warm and pour it into the expansion tank, the water pump will do the rest. Just don't go using too much, as a little goes a long way. Plus, once it's sealed, I'd flush the system out with a fresh coolant mix.

[onzarob]

Hi just got some of this to try and cure a very minor radiator leak. It says to pour it into the radiator? does this mean put it into the coolant tank? or is there a way to put this straight into the radiator? Novice help please

p.s. i have a 2000 golf tdi

It goes in the expansion tank, I wpuln't use it unless

A) you don't like the car
B)You need to get home

VW don't recommend using these products a new radiator is the best option.

[Loofer]

Though I'm not going to dispute any possible negative side effects that have been mentioned above I will tell you my own personal experience.

Had a bit of liquid leaking. Couldn't tell where it was coming from but from the substance I assumed it was the coolant rather than Windscreen wash. Used Radweld as instructed (in coolant reservour whilst it's still hot). This was over 2 months ago and that leak has never reoccurred.

I can not, however, comment on any damage or other side affcts that may have occurred on the inside but my car still performs as well as it did before.

It might just be a a 'hit n miss' thing.

[Eshrules]

when this question was asked the last time, i think i said the same thing.

do you want to pay around £80/100 for a new rad and have done with it

or do you want to spend around £10 for rad weld and risk the cost of a new engine (after overheating due to the pump ceasing)

i know which id rather choose.

plus, theres no guarentee radweld will work, what happens the next time you're on the m.way and the rad decides to give.....

you're just constantly running a risk, IMHO, id just steer clear, get a new rad and have done with it.

[onzarob]

do you want to pay around £80/100 for a new rad and have done with it

or do you want to spend around £10 for rad weld and risk the cost of a new engine (after overheating due to the pump ceasing)

.

I would say both option are viable, I used radweld in the past, it was a cheep car and i didn't have the money for a new radiator. I sold the car 2 1/2 years later with no side affects or new radiator!!!

I've not heard of pumps seizing due to radweld, but if the pumps leaking through the bearings I can see how it may clogg it up. its really is a choice thing really, its an additive to save the cost of a proper repair and therefore is not perfect, but its well proven to do the job.

[dessimpson]

I used it on my old nissan pulsar and after a few months the whole coolant system had turned into what i can only describe as putty. If i put water into the top of the radiator it would take about 2 minutes before it started to drip out the bottom. I had to flush it about 15 times just to get some water moving round the system. It was an absolute nightmare. The hardest bit was getting all the goop from the engine and the bit where it goes into the cabin heater (pipe split 5 times due to pressure!!)

Fortunately (for me) i traded it in a few weeks later

It may not have been the fault of the radweld but i won't take the chance again.

[MalcQV]

I used it on an old car, a £80 radiator would of doubled the value of the car