Radiator leaking :/

[STiedVR4Guy]

So after a little project and putting the radiator back in it has started a slow leak.

I think its from the fins on the inside (facing the engine) as I checked all the hoses and whatnot.

So here's my question. Should I try just a stop-leak fluid or just get a new radiator?

[Rocket]

Do you like heat in the winter or to clear the windows with the defroster? If so avoid anything but coolant in a radiator. Those additives aren't selective and plug up any small holes including the ones you need like in the heater core and radiator itself. My buddy that owned a radiator shop would hate to work on vehicles that that stuff dumped in it cause he knew it was going to be a crap ton of work. If you are on the road and need it quick fix, use it and then get it flushed quickly. If not check your local radiator shop, they may be able to fix the hole cheaper than a new radiator or tell you if the core is rotten and needs replaced.


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[terrets]

I used JB weld and a highly recommended aluminum additive to repair my leaking radiator on my bike...Worked just fine.

What holes are you talking about Rocket?

[x2xtreme360]

Oh god stop leak.

No.

[stealthee]

Stop leak should be called stop flow. You should have seen the one engine I ripped apart that someone put stop leak in. That shit was through the entire engine.

[Rocket]

^^ This! Bars Leak is just as bad. terrets the holes it will plug is ANY the coolant flows through. Heater core passages are small and plug easily. 80%+ of the cars that my buddy worked on that the owner had used additives like this on had plugged heater core. It is amazing how cheap a stop by a decent radiator shop can be, and you can find out just what is wrong. They may be able to solder the hole shut for a small amount or tell you to replace the whole thing.

[terrets]

Maybe thats why my bike likes overheating when its idling . Or maybe its cause theres no airflow....

And if its an aluminum one, my understanding is it only goes for aluminum parts lol...so it wouldnt be any hole...

But I get ya..

[STiedVR4Guy]

Thanks for the input. Yea I think I won't be using it. I found a few places around me I'm going to go to and see how much it would to repair the core. The OEM radiators are copper from what it looks like. If worse comes to worse I'll just get a new Koyo.

Thanks guys!

[stealthee]

You could always get a Mishimoto. I think I paid $200 for mine. Its still in the damn garage. Never went in the car yet. It will though.

[STiedVR4Guy]

You could always get a Mishimoto. I think I paid $200 for mine. Its still in the damn garage. Never went in the car yet. It will though.

I talked with IPSJeff today and he just explained the differences between the 2. Mishimoto looks just fine but he said is a Chinese made radiator so the welds and whatnot aren't as high quality. Gotta think on it... I'm also trying to get this car to road course use so I feel it should have a good radiator.