[Healeys] Radiator hose sealants

[Bob Spidell]

I'm not adverse to sealants--I like to experiment with them and even 
wrote an article on them for a club magazine--but I've never seen the 
need for one for radiator hoses (I do put a little silicone grease on 
the inside to make them easier to remove years down the road). A 
properly sized and fitted radiator hose should not leak; I'd look for a 
small crack on the housing, a deformation or other issue causing a leak. 
Radiator hoses are pliable and the pressure is low--they should seal 
with just a properly installed clamp.

Permatex Seal & Lock is my go-to for tough jobs, but you're looking at a 
semi-permanent 'fix.'

https://www.permatex.com/products/thread-compounds/thread-sealants/permatex-seal-lock-thread-compound-35-ml/

bs

On 5/17/2026 7:27 PM, Elton S wrote:
> I've tried a couple Permatex sealants for the radiator hoses without 
> success. They still weep a small amount of fluid. What successful 
> sealants have you used that you would recommend?
> Thanks for your replies.
> Elton
> BJ7
>