`self sealing`radiator leak
- Thread starter kiltyarse
- Start date
steveg1664
New Member
Quick answer is Yes. There are a number of reasons why this can happen but only one of them is good.
If at sometime in the past someone put a "cooling system treatment" in the water these will often contain a synthetic protien based leak sealant along the lines of "Radweld". Basically the these protiens want to bond together but need heat and oxygen to do so. When you get a leak they find their ideal conditions at the site of the leak and set into a little sticky plug. Believe it or not these treatments can last for years if the rad is not flushed.
Other option is that a lump of rust or salts from evaporating antifreeze have sealed your leak, but it will only be temporary.
If in doubt have your system pressure tested.
Steve
If at sometime in the past someone put a "cooling system treatment" in the water these will often contain a synthetic protien based leak sealant along the lines of "Radweld". Basically the these protiens want to bond together but need heat and oxygen to do so. When you get a leak they find their ideal conditions at the site of the leak and set into a little sticky plug. Believe it or not these treatments can last for years if the rad is not flushed.
Other option is that a lump of rust or salts from evaporating antifreeze have sealed your leak, but it will only be temporary.
If in doubt have your system pressure tested.
Steve
Steve,
Cheers, both your thoughts are along the lines of the much longer e-mail I sent to another P6 owning mate of mine. I expect it only to be temporary. It`s not actually in my Rover, but in my wifes 4 yr old Peugeot 206, so I doubt it`s had the `Radweld` like treatment, most probably rust and flaky crud. Thanks for that.
Drew
Cheers, both your thoughts are along the lines of the much longer e-mail I sent to another P6 owning mate of mine. I expect it only to be temporary. It`s not actually in my Rover, but in my wifes 4 yr old Peugeot 206, so I doubt it`s had the `Radweld` like treatment, most probably rust and flaky crud. Thanks for that.
Drew
webmaster
New Member
Another issue to consider is that the leak may only occur when a certain amount of pressure has built up in the system, ie. when its fully warmed up. The recent colder weather will have an effect on this especially if the vehicle is only used for short journeys. Also as the water leaks out, the pressure naturally reduces.
On one of my 800's the water level always drops to approx min in the expansion tank, but then stays there for months, if I top it up to full, it falls back to min in a couple of days.
On one of my 800's the water level always drops to approx min in the expansion tank, but then stays there for months, if I top it up to full, it falls back to min in a couple of days.