TD5 Defender radiator leak - radweld?

Wotcha.

I've got a leak on my 99 TD5 defender. Its coming from the top right hand corner of the radiator (as you look at from the front of the landy) it appears to be coming from where the rad fins go into a metal housing. doesn't look like its from a loose pipe.

I've just worked out it lost 1 pint of water/coolant in about 50 miles of usage this week, and I have a 300 mile journey to make this weekend (in 2 stages)

So: is it worth trying radweld? Some people say its fine, others say it has ruined their system. The TD5 has an ECU, about 50/50 mix water/coolant in the rad and it has a working heater.

I know I should replace the rad, and I will, but will it be ok for this weekend if I rely on the radweld?

Once upon a time you just used to crack an egg into the rad

understand the worry of radweld blocking channels inside the engine - it shouldn't

I've not used radweld so would advise waiting on some other inputs - either that or just carry plenty of water with you, stop regularly and top up (being careful not to scald yourself)

I had a little hole in my intercooler where the bonnet catch hit it because it was bent.

We used liquid metal to sort that. worked a treat, still holding up well after nearly a year. Useful stuff to have in the back of the landy.

You can get it from halfrauds.

I prefer WYNNS rad seal ! far better stuff

If it's just weekend I would think that you would be alright if you check the level often and carry fluid.

My rad was doing the same thing and I decided not to risk using the stop leak and having problems later. As I live in the U.S., the replacement cost for a new radiator was more than I paid for the car, so I had it rodded and repaired for nearly 1/4 the cost.

Station House said:

Once upon a time you just used to crack an egg into the rad

understand the worry of radweld blocking channels inside the engine - it shouldn't

I've not used radweld so would advise waiting on some other inputs - either that or just carry plenty of water with you, stop regularly and top up (being careful not to scald yourself)

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There are products now available that can be put into the rad of a healthy coolant system so that if a leak does occur it blocks them almost instantly. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of it. I know that the RAC patrols now carry one on board their vans.

As for the cracking the egg into the rad. Don't forget it's only the white of the egg that you use.

When you think about it, someone must have tried the old egg in radiator for the first time, wonder what was going through his head?

Marmite soldiers. TD5s dont like overheating. Its the surest way to warp an alloy head. No way I'd put any of the rad sealers in my system as its not just the rad they block up. Carry plenty of water and dont work the engine too hard. Check it regularly and keep it topped up. I once drove from Blackpool to Wimbledon with the radiator cap off so the system did not pressurise. The water does boil off but its simple to stop every 25 miles or so and top it up with what ever you have. Last resort you can always take a leak and use that as coolant but it does not smell too good.

Shifty1962 said:

Marmite soldiers. TD5s dont like overheating. Its the surest way to warp an alloy head. No way I'd put any of the rad sealers in my system as its not just the rad they block up. Carry plenty of water and dont work the engine too hard. Check it regularly and keep it topped up. I once drove from Blackpool to Wimbledon with the radiator cap off so the system did not pressurise. The water does boil off but its simple to stop every 25 miles or so and top it up with what ever you have. Last resort you can always take a leak and use that as coolant but it does not smell too good.

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Mmmmm.. boiled urine

Dave90 said:

Mmmmm.. boiled urine

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my favourite.

Ive used K seal in the past with good results, or barrs leak.

Alright, so the consensus on this is: Hell no. Got ya. Cheers.