Stop Leak Plugged Radiator
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Stop Leak Plugged Radiator
I had a small drip from the timing cover so I put some stop leak in the cooling system. It seems to have plugged the radiator.
Awhile back, I put a radiator for a 4.0 in my 3.0 mazda. It has always run cool even in hottest weather. Today, it was only 84 and it nearly boiled out all the coolant.
I have drained the system and refilled it with no improvement. Tomorrow I plan to take out the radiator and flush it out. Do you think I will have any luck with this? Does anyone have any tips on how I might flush it?
Thanks.
Tom
Awhile back, I put a radiator for a 4.0 in my 3.0 mazda. It has always run cool even in hottest weather. Today, it was only 84 and it nearly boiled out all the coolant.
I have drained the system and refilled it with no improvement. Tomorrow I plan to take out the radiator and flush it out. Do you think I will have any luck with this? Does anyone have any tips on how I might flush it?
Thanks.
Tom
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 176
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Are you sure the radiator's plugged - or maybe the t-stat has gone.
If you suspect the radiator, just replace it - it's already leaking. They're still fairly inexpensive, and if you buy one with a lifetime warranty (I know AutoZone carries them), you're set forever.
If you suspect the radiator, just replace it - it's already leaking. They're still fairly inexpensive, and if you buy one with a lifetime warranty (I know AutoZone carries them), you're set forever.
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I hate to give up on this radiator it is nearly new and doesn't leak. I got a new thermostat today. I am going to take the rad out and see how well water flows through it. I figure flush it with high pressure water and shake it from side to side.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
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Junior User
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I think I solved the problem. I put 2 bottles of Prestone flush through it and installed a backflush kit in a heater line. It seems to be ok now. I hope so. I am starting out on a 200 mi trip. It was 98 today but I am leaving in the evening and it will be somewhat cooler.
Tom
Tom
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
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Some radiator stop leak products if mixed with Antifreeze will plug your radiator. Read the directions on the brand you bought. Some kinds will tell you to never mix with Ethlyene glycol (antifreeze) you have to drain the system flush it then fill with clean water add the stop leak run for a given amout of time and then drain and put antifreeze back in. I got to buy a radiator once because of this exact scenario didn't read the directions.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I have had a lot of trouble with those flush fittings. They get brittle and break. So far I've had it happen three times, including on a vehicle that I wasn't aware had a flush fitting. I never use stop leak problems. If you have a leak, fix the leak. Treating the entire cooling system with a stop leak is like repainting your car because of a minor scratch. Its overkill at best. And because its indiscriminate, it really more like painting your whole car without taking off any of the trim or covering the windows. You get a lot where you don't want it, such as the cooling passages in the radiator (and probably your heater core too.)
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