Radiator stop leak

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by codyb86, Aug 20, 2019.

  1. codyb86

    codyb86 Bobtail Member

    16
    4
    Jun 22, 2019
    0
    Blue Devil Radiator stop leak, would you use it or no? And why
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

    3,492
    8,356
    Jul 12, 2017
    0
    No.......

    Radiator stop leaks gum up normal operating systems and cause way more problems than they are worth. Replace the bad/leaking part and leave the magic fixing potions on the shelf.

    If it does work it is temporary at best.
     
    Shawn2130, Hulld, Art Vandelay and 4 others Thank this.
  4. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

    7,125
    13,750
    Jan 20, 2010
    Hesperia, Ca.
    0
    If it’s someone else’s truck and you need to be some place like now, go for it. If it’s yours, get the leak fixed properly.
     
    Shawn2130 and HoneyBadger67 Thank this.
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,626
    144,550
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Mechanic in a bottle. Nope. I wouldn't use it. Good way to clog up heater cores, thermostats and contaminate the cooling system. Just my $0.02.
     
  6. SpeedyGonzalez

    SpeedyGonzalez Light Load Member

    123
    58
    Dec 28, 2017
    0
    I've seen leak sealant chew through head gaskets, clog water pumps and cooling channels, if the truck has a coolant filter, well good luck getting any useful flow through that. The worst-case by far was when I worked at a Toyota dealer, sealant did most of the above and caused a flow guide to melt and clog the head on an open deck block, ended up needing a new engine with the amount of coolant that ended up in the oil. There's a reason they have devil in the name, sends an engine straight to hell.
    If the leak is in the fin tubes, clean it up as best you can and smear on some seal all, its a bandaid fix but will get you where you need to be to get it fixed. Tanks are easier, I've been able to patch a quarter-sized rust hole in a tank using some epoxy putty and two-part epoxy, like I said, bandaid fix, got me the 300 miles home where I had a new tank and gasket waiting.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

    9,600
    66,988
    Nov 1, 2017
    The Sticks, Idaho
    0
    Id crack 3 or 4 raw eggs into the radiator for a quick temporary fix before I used any stop leak product.... Eggs Will seal a small leak, and wash out when you get it repaired... Stop leak will seal leak, but don't wash out, ever.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  8. Boul1234

    Boul1234 Bobtail Member

    3
    1
    Aug 20, 2019
    Moonbeam, Ontario
    0
    I would have to agree with most comments that it’s a band-aid fix and should definitely only be considered as last resort to get home. But I never recommend it. I’ve seen way too many jammed up cooling system components due to these “magical” sealers that people use instead of getting the proper repairs done. IMO stop leaks of all kind, A/C, coolant, engine, power steering, are just a waste of money and it gives you a false hope that the truck might fix itself.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  9. mhyn

    mhyn Road Train Member

    4,255
    4,502
    Dec 29, 2008
    Northridge, CA
    0
    except lucas hub oil stop leak.
     
  10. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

    782
    1,216
    Jan 14, 2019
    0
    I've always wondered if they make any bad products
     
    mhyn Thanks this.
  11. mhyn

    mhyn Road Train Member

    4,255
    4,502
    Dec 29, 2008
    Northridge, CA
    0
    I don't know any bad product Lucas made..
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.