A mechanic with 52 years of experience shares his knowledge on radiator sealers for cars. He discusses how some sealers can work, but emphasizes the importance of using the correct type for the specific problem and following proper procedures. For small radiator leaks, he recommends a liquid aluminum-based sealer that works with modern coolants. For head gasket leaks, a more complicated and expensive repair, he recommends a sodium silicate-based sealer, but warns that it can be hazardous if used incorrectly, particularly if there is coolant in the engine oil. He stresses the need to flush the cooling system, remove the thermostat, and use the sealer with pure water to avoid damaging the engine. The mechanic also shares his personal experience with the product and notes that while it can be effective, it's not a guarantee, and proper diagnosis and caution are essential.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In the past, people have used various methods to fix radiator leaks, including adding course pepper to the radiator.
2. An Australian mechanic used to fix radiator leaks by pouring pepper into the radiator.
3. The author has been a mechanic for 52 years and has experience with radiator sealers.
4. Older radiator sealers may not work with modern coolants and can cause more problems.
5. Modern radiators are made of plastic and aluminum, and leaks often occur at the crimps where the two materials meet.
6. Some radiator sealers can stop leaks between the aluminum and plastic parts of the radiator.
7. The author recommends using a liquid aluminum sealer that works with all types of antifreeze and pure water.
8. The sealer should be used only with clean coolant and not with dirty or rusty coolant.
9. If the coolant is dirty or rusty, the cooling system should be flushed before using a sealer.
10. A special sealer is needed for head gasket leaks, which can be more complicated to fix.
11. Head gasket leaks can be expensive to repair, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
12. The author recommends using a sealer that contains sodium silicate (also known as liquid glass) for head gasket leaks.
13. Sodium silicate can seal leaks quickly, but it can also ruin certain engines if not used correctly.
14. Before using a sealer that contains sodium silicate, the engine should be checked for coolant in the engine oil.
15. If there is coolant in the engine oil, using a sealer that contains sodium silicate can destroy the engine.
16. Sodium silicate can lock up the engine's bearings and cause it to freeze.
17. The author has personally used a sealer that contains sodium silicate and has had success with it.
18. The sealer should be used with pure water and not with antifreeze or other coolants.
19. The engine should be flushed and the thermostat removed before using the sealer.
20. The sealer should be used in a specific way, with the engine idling for half an hour and then shutting off and cooling down for half an hour before restarting.