Leaking radiator

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 5, 2026 | 09:55 PM

kryahlstrom

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

Leaking radiator

Hey y'all, my 1950 F2 radiator is leaking bottom left corner. Local shop did not know if they could fix it ... at $500. Anyone have success with any of the "stop leak" products out there?
Thank you!

Jun 5, 2026 | 10:12 PM

abe

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 25,400

Likes: 5,407

From: Central PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by kryahlstrom

Hey y'all, my 1950 F2 radiator is leaking bottom left corner. Local shop did not know if they could fix it ... at $500. Anyone have success with any of the "stop leak" products out there?
Thank you!

The radiator on my 55 F350 had a slow leak. I took it to a reputable radiator repair shop. The guy said he could fix it for $500 or I could go across the street and buy a bottle of Stop Leak. I did and it didn't leak after that. I no longer the truck so I can't say how long it would last. And there's no guarantee it will stop your leak but it's worth a try.

I always thought that Stop Leak and products like it were snake oil type products. But when the head guy at this radiator shop said use it I trusted him.

Jun 6, 2026 | 05:30 AM

Marten

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 1,587

Likes: 483

From: Kemptville, ON,

When I was a child, my dad had a rad leak on him. Put in a bottle of something. Stopped the leak. Some time later it leaked again, put more stuff in, stopped the leak. Next time the leak showed up sooner, more stuff, until one day it would not work any more. I'm not a fan of putting stuff like that in the rad, does reduce the coolant flow.

Jun 6, 2026 | 06:54 AM

bigwin56f100

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 9,371

Likes: 1,731

From: AKRON ohio

https://ebay.io/m/BTjPpB

Jun 6, 2026 | 08:06 AM

bmoran4

Parts Nerd Extraordinaire

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 4,378

Likes: 1,787

From: Western NY

Why is it that so many of these Aluminum radiators have the drain on the wrong face? Is it really that difficult to put it where it belongs so it fits?

Jun 6, 2026 | 08:33 AM

mtflat

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 6,777

Likes: 553

From: Kalispell, MT

I've used Bars Leak, Aluma-seal, etc over the years and yes, they do work - for a time. They are not meant to be a permanent fix but a temporary patch until you can get the leak repaired or the rad replaced.

Jun 6, 2026 | 10:07 AM

moejr

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,685

Likes: 1,471

From: Mendon, Massachusetts

$500 to "fix" a radiator that's 77 years old?? Do yourself a favor and buy a new radiator, stop leak stuff might get ya by for awhile but it's not going away.