Using rad seal, can it cause problems??

[UOcUK Poopscoop]

Does it cause any negative effects in modern cars?

Got a slight leak in the rad on a V reg Astra.

I do mean slight too, just needs topping up a bit every few 100 miles.

Just want to know if adding it will cause any problems?

Cheers.

 

[timbob]

Lots of people swear by radweld, whilst an equal amount of people hate the stuff.

The way I look at it - it's designed to clog up very small holes in the rad. By it's very nature, it will begin to clog up the very narrow water pathways through the engine block, so could conceivably cause headgasket trouble in the future.

On a £150 banger with a slightly leaky rad, then I'd say yeah, go for it. But as your car's newer and worth a bit more money, I'd get it fixed. Cure the problem rather than fix the symptoms.

A new radiator won't be more than £50 or £60. Tenner for new coolant, a few hours on the driveway with some spanners and hey presto!

 

[Jonny69]

I've never had any problems with the stuff and it's helped seal some pretty big leaks on various engines. I can't see how it could block a waterway since they are all minimum 10mm across usually.

 

[UOcUK Poopscoop]

I've never had any problems with the stuff and it's helped seal some pretty big leaks on various engines. I can't see how it could block a waterway since they are all minimum 10mm across usually.

What sort of cars you used it on mate?

Thanks for help people btw.

 

[mattx2]

I'm not a fan of radweld and the like. It will solidify when coolant is exposed to air, which includes air locks in the heater matrix and any other places

If you ever use it you must ensure the system is free from any air pockets. Afterwards you should drain, flush and refill the cooling system.

 

[MrMatteh]

yup, it blocked my heater matrix!

 

[Third Opinion]

Used it three or four times as a "get me home" fix. Each time it has worked a dream and I have never had to replace a component before selling the vehicle on. Often years later.

 

[moss]

Ive used it a few times, but I wouldnt use radweld, theres far better products on the market such as bars leaks or DAE rad seal.
I used it on my own car about 3 years ago, still going strong now.

 

[James_N]

radweld fixed a minor leak on my volvo 740 estate. Not had any problems since. This was 3 months ago

 

[mattpc]

Forte Stopleak is far superior to radweld. It does not block up the heater matrix unlike radweld.