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Old 07-12-2021, 08:35 PM   #1
kursed30
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Default Stop Leak

Can you use stop leak in a Model A radiator?
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Old 07-12-2021, 09:00 PM   #2
Gary WA
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Default Re: Stop Leak

yes
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Old 07-12-2021, 09:03 PM   #3
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Yes, but I do not like doing it. It tends to leave some gumminess to the cooling system. I like K-Seal when I use the stuff.
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Old 07-13-2021, 01:36 AM   #4
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Default Re: Stop Leak

When I must use it I like black pepper. Depending on your leak a couple spoonfuls should do it. When you fix the leak later it washes right out, it's definitely my go to for anything with a heater core.

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Old 07-13-2021, 07:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: Stop Leak

I also use black pepper
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Old 07-13-2021, 08:06 AM   #6
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My engine rebuilder said to put 1/2 of a vile of stop leak in the radiator, helps to seal the head gasket ! I didn't have a leak or seep.
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Old 07-13-2021, 08:58 AM   #7
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Hmmm...will it work in the crankcase?
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Old 07-13-2021, 09:27 AM   #8
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Default Re: Stop Leak

My radiators are mostly old originals and of course some leak from the core mostly now and again . Some are drip.drip drip drip style . I use BARRS Stopleak which I think is USA made and works every time . My sons 31 coupe had a good leak just prior to the big Pendine Beach speed trial weekend just finished . 750 mile round trip BARRS to the rescue no leaks yet stopped at his sister in Bath overnight and 250 miles to go for home . I never ever had any nasty sticky side effects from this product(made in USA !!!) Says on the bottle helps to lube waterpump cant be bad .

John in Suffolk County England .
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Old 07-13-2021, 12:38 PM   #9
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Default Re: Stop Leak

I have used oatmeal in a pressurized radiator as a stop leak. Removing the radiator cap resulted in a geyser of cooked oatmeal all over the engine compartment and me. This was in a 54 Packard. POS car, IMO.
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Old 07-13-2021, 02:08 PM   #10
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Are you leaking fluid somewhere?? If not I would leave it alone.
If needed I would use Alumaseal NOT Barr's. JMO
Paul in CT
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:03 PM   #11
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Default Re: Stop Leak

I have used K & W sealer with good results!
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:03 PM   #12
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Yes i have a leak. Poured some water in it the other day and a stream was trickling out from the top right section. I have a video but cant post it
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:49 PM   #13
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo View Post
Are you leaking fluid somewhere?? If not I would leave it alone.
If needed I would use Alumaseal NOT Barr's. JMO
Paul in CT
Why not Bars?
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Old 07-13-2021, 04:11 PM   #14
Ivan in southeast va.
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Default Re: Stop Leak

I would use Bars leak, if that does not work, call Bergs.
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Old 07-13-2021, 05:27 PM   #15
Gene F
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Default Re: Stop Leak

I have heard good things about Alumaseal in Model-As.
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Old 07-13-2021, 06:53 PM   #16
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Dont like stop leak never had much luck with it!
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Old 07-13-2021, 07:41 PM   #17
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Years ago back in the mountains hunting turkeys our old Jeep radiator sprung a leak. We stopped in a country store. We asked the owner, whom we knew, if he had any radiator stop leak. Yes, three different brands but I won’t sell you any of them, he said. He sat a can of black pepper on the counter. Pour this in and leave the cap loose and by the time you get to the top of the mountain the leak will stop. We drove that thing for years like that and it never did leak anymore. We asked him later why he stocked the other stop leak brands. Those are for the tourists, he said. They wouldn’t believe you about the pepper, he said.
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Old 07-14-2021, 02:46 PM   #18
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Default Re: Stop Leak

My 28 original radiator had a small wet spot in the upper left. Wish I knew for sure what I used, but it may have been Alumaseal. Anyway it sealed it up and never leaked again, even after cleaning my cooling system by using only vinegar for a month.

Unfortunately I think the fire did it in though, as I see solder where it shouldn't be.
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Old 07-14-2021, 05:38 PM   #19
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Default Re: Stop Leak

Tom, good to see you have not lost your sense of humor... Hoping the best for you and yours.
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Old 07-15-2021, 08:16 AM   #20
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Default Re: Stop Leak

For many years I have been using Bar's pelletized stop leak instead of anti-freeze in the cooling systems of both my Model A's. Bar's has a water pump lubricant. The only negative is it makes the water look rusty brown.
I live on Long Island where we have a significant winter, and not once has the water coolant frozen. Bar's does not require periodic replacement like anti-freeze. Bar's is much less expensive and it has a small jar convenient for carrying as a spare.





Bar's
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