Duct Tape

[catprotector]

I have a '95 Chevy Beretta. Today I noticed a leak on one of my large oil or coolent hoses (It looked short and fat and was just to the right of coolant rod). It looked like it was dripping engine oil out of the bottom of it. I used duct tape on the hose and now it looks like it is not dripping anymore. Has anyone else used duct tape for this kind of job? I don't have a lot of money right now to replace hoses and stuff right now but was curious to see if anyone else has used duct-tape to plug leaks on hoses and stuff. It looks like right now it is working fine, although it was a little hot to keep checking the hose.

Also, I saw on the Web at the store about this Stop Leak stuff which is supposed to plug leaks. Has anyone ever used this type of product before and does it really work? I have a minor engine oil leak (not leaving pools but drops) so I am tempted to try it.

[jsgold]

Duct tape only a temp. fix. Will not last. I assume you have a coolant hose leaking, as there are no oil hoses that I know of on a Beretta. Do NOT use the leak fixer, you will cause more problems later on. This stuff can block off your heater core, radiator, and should only be used as a last resort on a block leak, not a hose leak. Hoses are cheap. Do not know what motor you have(should advise that when you can), but if it is the large hoses(one at top, one at bottom of your radiator) the cost should be less than 20 bucks foe either. Easy to put on as a rule, but will leak coolant so have a bucket ready. Might have to buy some anti freeze as well, get the pre mixed stuff if you do so you won't have to mix with water. Be sure to check the coolant after runnig a few miles as air has to work its way out of the system. Top off as needed. If you are not comfortable with working on the car, any shop should do without a big cost.

If you are reffering to oil stop leak, I have not had much luck with that but I have had some luck using high mileage motor oils, or, in rare cases a heavier weight oil such as 10-40. If a minor leak try a good high mileage oil such as Pennzoil, for engines over 75K.

[catprotector]

Well I discovered where the leak might be coming from and it isn't a hose unless there is a coolant hose on the bottom of the cars. Anyway, it appears the leak is coming from the top part of the car and not a home. There is metal cover above the dipstick that seems to have a black nob which looks like a plug but not really sure. I am imagine this is where the water pump is right? Not knowing cars I am at a disadvantage. The thing about this leak is that it is dripping but not actually leaking out all my coolant. When the car is not running it drips but when the car is running I can smell the coolant but my car is not overheating.

[jsgold]

Your water pump is in the front of engine and had a pulley on it, is run by the serpantine belt. Do you have a 4 cyl or 6 cyl? Hard to think what you are refering to, but a leay water pump has to be replaced. Can't stop it from leaking. If it is the pump it will usually "sling" coolant when running. Generally, a leak is a hose, hole in radiator (does not sound like it is),leaking water pump, or intake/block/head leak. Any of the last three are bad. 4 cylinders have a bad tendancy for blown head gaskets, cracked heads, and I had one (89) that had a broken head bolt, which was common for that engine. Six cylinder motors not as bad, but will have leaky intake gaskets, and on occasion a blown head gasket.
Since yours is easily seen it may not be bad, but I just can't figure what you are refering to on the motor.

If a minor leak, it won't overheat until your fluid is too low. Watch you coolant level often (daily)to see if a lot is leaking out...

[catprotector]

I have a 6 cylinder. Anyway, the leak has been diagnosed as the water pump. I bought a replacement and I'll be bringing my car next week into the mechanic for install. Until that happens he suggested I top off the coolant with water at this point. Thanks for the help though.