In a message dated 5/17/2004 2:41:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, eabb@loc.gov
writes:
> Anyone have any emergency repair suggestions for a leaking radiator. I
> was thinking of trying to use an epoxy like J-B weld to try and stop it
> up. I'm hesitant to use one of those stop leaks that you add to the
> antifreeze for fear of gumming up my (newely rebuilt) engine. My
> coolant sustem runs on low pressure (about a 4 lb cap) doesn't have a
> thermostat but does have a water pump (earlier Singers didn't) I'll be
> driving about 100 miles or so each way.
=====
Gene, speaking from moderate amounts of personal experience, the only even
marginally effective (yet non-harmful) stuff I've used is the powdery stuff
(Aluma-Seal, perhaps?). Whatever you do, stay away from most anything else. I
once used some liquid stuff (with what looked for all the world like tapioca
pudding only in a dark amber color) in my Triumph Mayflower. Didn't stop the
leak; did cause SEVERE overheating. I've never had any problems with the
powdery stuff wherever I've tried it, and sometimes it actually works. ;-)
I hate to say it, but your best bet might be to simply forego this trip and
wait until your radiator can be properly recored.
--Andy Mace
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