Radiator problem

[fjclaus]

I was told I have a pinhole leak in my radiator and I need to put some Stop Leak in it until this weekend when we can get the radiator replaced. Trouble is, I can't get any fluid out of the radiator in order to put some stop leak in. Can I add the stop leak to the overflow and let it trickle into the radiator or does it have to be added directly?

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by fjclaus

I was told I have a pinhole leak in my radiator and I need to put some Stop Leak in it until this weekend when we can get the radiator replaced. Trouble is, I can't get any fluid out of the radiator in order to put some stop leak in. Can I add the stop leak to the overflow and let it trickle into the radiator or does it have to be added directly?

If you want the leak to stop sooner than later, and the 'stop leak' works, you'll need to add it directly to the rad.

If you add it to the coolant reservoir, only a bit at a time will be sucked into the rad as the engine cools.

Get hold of a turkey baster and a small clean container (for returning the drained coolant to the reservoir).

You may need a helper. You might want to place a low container below the rad cap area under the van to catch any spilled coolant. Coolant kills animals.

Remove the reservoir overflow coolant drain tube and hold the hose end higher than the level in the reservoir.

Using the turkey baster, withdraw enough coolant from the rad to allow the amount of stop leak you wish to put in.

How old is the coolant?

To be safe, drain and flush the old coolant out (as much as possible) and replace with new coolant.

[worm6]

Last time i took out coolant i used an old spray bottle. Suck the tube in and kept pumping or sraying intill i had enough out. I looked but could not find the radiator drain. Good luck