Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Radiator Sealant

[DTangstrom]

Has anybody used radiator sealer to fix a leak in the heater core. I figured it might be worth a try as long nobody has had adverse affects, like clogged journals or the like.

 

[Black Ram Alpha]

Yes I have used "Aluma Seal" for over 30 some years . It looks like ground up metal in a plastic tube. You can get it at Car Quest for a few bucks. I would put in 2 tubes for that fix. (remove some coolent so it will all go in) & clean off where your cap seals after you put it in , turn on the heater and drive it for a while. Dan

 

[Thomas]

. . . turn on the heater and drive it for a while . . .

There is no need to "turn on the heater". The heater and optional air conditioner is a blend-air type system model year 2000. Coolant flows through the heater core any time the engine is running and the cooling system thermostat is open. That's DTangstrom's problem—there is no way to shut off a leaking heater core unless the plumbing is modified.

The leaking heater core is likely an electrolysis problem. Radiator sealer is probably a short term fix. I replaced the heater core in my model year 2000 Ram last winter. My short-term solution was to use a length of five-eighths heater hose to take the heater core out of the circuit until it was convenient to open up the dash. Given that it's May, I recommend the heater core be taken out of the loop and replaced before next winter.

 

[lrox]

Don't do it!!! Yes it may fix the leak by plugging the hole, but how many other coolant passages are you sealing as well???