Leaking Radiator

[Nickol]

My apolgies in advance for referring to a non Morris minor but the Problem could apply just as well.

For many years now I have used rainwater in the cooling System of my austin eight and every autumn drained it off as the temperatures here in winter can be extreme sometimes. This spring however, I decided to refill with an antifreeze mix to save me the bother in future of this draining and refilling.

A few minutes ago, due to a damp patch on the floor of the Garage, I investigated for leaks and found the Radiator oozing out ( perhaps weeping is a better description) in several places.

Can it be that antifreeze is more .....thinner I suppose (????) ,,than water? Or maybe even aggressiver? In any case, I do not intend to use any "stop leak" substance but have the rad repaired.

[Budgie]

Due to the nature of the compound, antifreeze has the capacity to seek out the smallest of holes in the water system so in one way it's done you a favour I'd say.

[dalebrignall]

get your self some k seal for a good perminant repair

[les]

Repair the rad. German engineering!

[Nickol]

what is k seal ??

There are some firms who do repairs, just as in the island: I have just had an internet look.

.........and Budgie, I tend to agree -

[amgrave]

It's not a good idea to run with no anti-freeze even in the summer as it acts as a corrosion inhibitor too, also corrosion happens most with a good supply of oxygen so draining the system for the winter is actually making it worse. Keep the system filled with as least 60/40% water/anti-freeze mix and only use the blue one as others can actually harm our old internals, engine that is
Using rain water is good that's what I use along with the anti-freeze.

[dalebrignall]

depends on what you want to pay a new rad is not that expensive , i used k seal on my saab as i had a 2 week wait for a new rad , my dads car had a leak and i used k seal in that and its still holding out good stuff better than rad weld wich clogs everything up