Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 Crack field repair? (or just snake oil?)

[VicR]

Even though 53 cracks seem to be rare, murphy's law says they will happen in an inconvenient place. What about the following for a field repair?



http://jbweld.net/products/permoseal.php



Its a JB Weld product that, according to the advertising, has been around for 91 years. I don't think it would be a permanent repair and the downside would be that you could contaminate the rest of your cooling system with this stuff, but would it be a good bandaid to get home?



PERM-O-SEAL

Part No. DS114



Description:

PERM-O-SEAL is a non-toxic mixture of seven organic ingredients designed to permanently seal holes and cracks in radiators, water jackets, and cylinder heads. Just pour PERM-O-SEAL into the radiator while the engine is running. It speeds through the water channels, seeks out holes, and swells shut as soon as it comes in contact with air (on the other side of the hole). It will not redissolve, and draining or flushing will not affect the seal.



How does it work?

PERM-O-SEAL contains unique rust inhibitors and water pump lubricants that help the radiator operate at peak efficiency. With such ongoing benefits, it makes good sense for every radiator to always have PERM-O-SEAL in it. Don't wait for a leak -- add PERM-O-SEAL to your radiator now. Then, if your radiator ever springs a leak, PERM-O-SEAL will plug it automatically!



America's #1 permanent sealant for radiators, water jackets, and cylinder heads ... same reliable product since 1914!

How to use it:

Pour contents of PERM-O-SEAL vial slowly into radiator while running motor fast enough to circulate the water. Continue to run motor until water is hot and leak stops. Use in the same manner for cracked cylinder heads and water jackets. For extra-large leaks where water runs out before PERM-O-SEAL has time to work, catch the solution and pour back into radiator, repeating the operation until a complete seal is achieved.



PERM-O-SEAL will not work in grease or oil. If cooling system contains grease or oil, clean thoroughly before using PERM-O-SEAL.

 

[hensign]

I would say definitly maybe. I am sure I will get bashed fior this but I actually put 4 of the GM block seal tablets in after I did my Lock n Stitch, Before the bashing begins, this is a required additive on all Cad 4. 1/4. 5 liter motors and I took a good look at my radiator before I put it in to make sure the tubes were clear. Main problem with sealers like this are they can plug up small orifices, possibly rad and heater core tubes. MY crack may have been smaller than others or maybe I just cought it early, I was only using about 1 quart-1/2 gallon per tank. I noticed the loss when I filled up/checked my oil and kept tabs on it afterwards. If I needed a quick fix to get home I would snip the little flap off the bottom of the rad cap making it a 0 PSI cooling system and keep it filled with water.



PS I have tried out the JB water weld, it seems to stick well, about as good as structural adhesive and I think it would work for a quick external fix on a non pressured cooling system for a short time.

 

[dieselworld]

I had a truck in the shop a few months ago with a cracked block. I tried several different solutions, none of which worked. I ended up using metal stitching pins which if for cast iron. Worked great and wont ever crack again!