Radiator leak, what would you do?

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Radiator leak, what would you do?

July 05, 2023, 12:24:17 pm

I've had one pinhole leak top left corner outside (right below the remote filler neck). Used JB Weld radiator on it, works great. Over this weekend had a new one, it started somewhere between when I dumped the tanks and when I stopped at the dumpster on the way out. Pinhole spraying out. Once the thermostats opened, it stopped. Checked this morning, only took a couple splashes of antifreeze to top it off. I flushed and refilled with new a few months ago and replaced the cap and hoses.

Temp never goes above 180-185, even this weekend when it was in the 90s, towing 4000 pounds. However I always worry worry about it.

Here's my question: Should I just find and JB weld this new leak? Should I just Bars leak the whole thing? Should I get it re-cored? It's all been in the top left corner underneath the remote filler neck. Is there something I should spray on the outside of it to help? Should I just quit worrying so much? Is it going to catastrophic blow apart on my next trip? I've seen some say on here they use Bars as a preventative almost, would you?

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #1 – July 05, 2023, 12:32:41 pm

Don't know the whole story, but here goes. If you recently flushed it and put in new antifreeze, and if it had bars leak in it, it has been flushed out. You might can put new bars leak in it and remedy your problem......just a thought.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #2 – July 05, 2023, 12:45:08 pm

Barr's leak, and if you can get to the pin hole fix it again. I wouldn't worry about the radiator if you can stop the leaky, as it is cooling fine.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #3 – July 05, 2023, 01:01:57 pm

Sounds like the metal is rusting from the inside out. I think I would get it looked at since you now have had 2 leaks, more are waiting to show up shortly and it may not be small.

I don't think there is anything you can spray on the outside will hold if it is rusting from the inside.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #4 – July 05, 2023, 01:24:08 pm

Short term JB weld outside, plus barrs leak inside.

Long term?

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #5 – July 08, 2023, 08:20:04 pm

Well, turns out it's the same leak I used the JB Weld on, not so good after all.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #6 – July 15, 2023, 10:13:16 pm

I had a new core put in mine the problem is getting the radiator out. I would not use any stop leak in the radiator that could cause you problems down the road.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #7 – July 15, 2023, 10:57:45 pm

Bar's leak has stopped the leaks in many of our coaches including mine. Foretravel recommends it and so did Cummins

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #8 – July 15, 2023, 11:44:08 pm

X2 on Barr's leak, have it in mine last 10+ years.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #9 – July 16, 2023, 07:20:55 am

How many bottles of Barr"s Leak did you all add to the radiator, thanks

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #10 – July 16, 2023, 07:28:09 am

X3 on Barrs leak....... If I remember correctly, I used three.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #11 – July 16, 2023, 09:40:43 am

I had a small leak at the bottom left (rear) of the radiator, didn't want to have to remove the radiator as it appeared to be quite the job. Purchased 5 bottles of Barr's to make a temporary fix but after opening a bottle and pouring it in a clear jar.

I couldn't convince myself to put it in, knowing it will flow through the whole cooling system. Engine block, coolant filter, dash heater and water heater. So, I removed the radiator and carried it to a local, reputable radiator shop for a re-core. Expensive but I don't worry about the leak re-appearing while on the road. plenty of other things that can fail but I rest easier knowing that I'm not relying on a 25 year old radiator core.
Still have the bottles of Barr's

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #12 – July 16, 2023, 10:07:34 am

Question about the Barrs leak. What do you do about the coolant filter? Does it trap the Bars?

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #13 – July 16, 2023, 10:26:46 am

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – July 16, 2023, 10:07:34 am

Question about the Barrs leak. What do you do about the coolant filter? Does it trap the Bars?

I have cut the water filter apart on my coach, and yes it does catch the some of the Barr's leak. It doesn't stop the filter up as there is no air in the filter. Also I think it would take a while for the filter to catch all of it. When I first install the Barr's leak I turn he filter off for a while.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #14 – July 16, 2023, 10:47:01 am

When I bought the coach I read all of the info that came with it. Can't find it at the moment but there was an alert from Cummins to put Bar's leak in the system to solve some gasket issue they were having at the time.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #15 – July 16, 2023, 05:19:56 pm

Thirty plus year old radiator. How much longer will it last. Remember also that radiator also cools the transmission. Radiator on my 93 Grand Villa failed internally a few years ago. Had to replace the transmission..I had no external leaks. I wouldn't panic but I think I'd start at least thinking about getting a permanent fix. Just my thoughts on the situation. My repair bill was in the 12K range. Just saying better safe than sorry.

Roland

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #16 – July 16, 2023, 08:53:10 pm

I've repaired radiator damage and leaks with cayenne pepper, JB Weld and Barr's Leak. All have worked well depending on the type of leak.

Our U300 radiator is 30 years old but doing fine. A couple of our cars are a lot older but I've never had to do anything much to the radiators unless damaged from the fan or rocks..

I've always looked with distrust at the coolant automatic transmission cooler that Roland had the problems with.

Pierce

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #17 – July 16, 2023, 09:50:40 pm

Quote from: FourTravelers – July 16, 2023, 09:40:43 am

I had a small leak at the bottom left (rear) of the radiator, didn't want to have to remove the radiator as it appeared to be quite the job. Purchased 5 bottles of Barr's to make a temporary fix but after opening a bottle and pouring it in a clear jar. I couldn't convince myself to put it in, knowing it will flow through the whole cooling system. Engine block, coolant filter, dash heater and water heater. So, I removed the radiator and carried it to a local, reputable radiator shop for a re-core. Expensive but I don't worry about the leak re-appearing while on the road. plenty of other things that can fail but I rest easier knowing that I'm not relying on a 25 year old radiator core.
Still have the bottles of Barr's

The most important part about using any sealer is "FOLLOW" instruction to a T ...!

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #18 – July 17, 2023, 05:14:31 am

Was able to solder it in place (no fun). Stopped the leak.

My understanding on the Bars is C16 is discontinued, use the tablets in place of it. Not to use the liquid.

Re: Radiator leak, what would you do?

Reply #19 – July 17, 2023, 08:16:30 am

Quote from: Paul GA – July 05, 2023, 12:24:17 pm

Should I just quit worrying so much?

Is it going to catastrophic blow apart on my next trip?

I've seen some say on here they use Bars as a preventative almost, would you?

Ummm NO but I call it "Close following."

No. But if pinhole leaks have already formed eventually you will be using a lawn sprinkler to cool your engine.

Ewwwww. I put some Bars Leak, the liquid and pellets kind in the radiator of my Siata. But I keep in the back of my mind that radiator is due for a trip to the radiator shop. FWIW THAT cooling system stopped leaking with two tablespoons each of liquid and pellets.

But for the relatively low cost of proper repair, do you really want to risk an expensive engine re-build?

Art

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