Hairline Radiator Leak Fix

Radiator leaks are common. Vibration and heat can cause small cracks to form along the seams of a radiator. Loss of coolant might lead to an engine overheating and sometimes permanent engine damage. If your car is running hot or you see wisps of steam coming from your engine compartment, you might have a hairline crack. Stop by your local auto repair shop and pick up a tube of exterior cement like J.B. Weld. In about 30 minutes, you can permanently seal hairline leaks in almost any radiator.

Instructions

1

Drain the antifreeze out of the radiator. Slide the bucket underneath the radiator. Find the radiator drain plug. Position the bucket under the drain. Open the valve and drain the antifreeze from the radiator.

2

Scrub along the crack with steel wool. Brush away any excess debris.

3

Apply a bead of J.B. Weld along the length of the crack using the tube as an applicator.

4

Pull the spring levers on the side of the distributor cap down to release the distributor from its mount. Let the distributor cap dangle to the side.

5

Get in the car and crank the engine over two or three times to create a vacuum in the radiator. This will pull the J.B. Weld into the crack.

6

Put the distributor cap back on.

7

Pour the bucket of antifreeze back into the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on.

8

Wait two hours for the J.B. Weld to dry.