How do I stop this Leak?

[rfthomas]

My radiator has a small leak. Every once and a while I have to add a few ounces of coolant. I have not been overheating. The picture I attached shows where its leaking. Can I use an additive like Bar's Stop Leak or is that a no-no? I'll be bummed if I have to replace the radiator. Any ideas???

RFT

[Avlany]

You cant. I am sorry to say that, but In this case you gotta replace the radiator mate.

[tomctx]

Unless it's leaking out of the hose in the picture next to it, I'd also vote for radiator.

[Teh Prof]

I vote radiator. Stop leak will plug up holes within your radiator too, and possibly in your engine block, and will block the circulation holes between the radiator and the coolant expansion tank. It's a no-no.

[SpeedInfusion]

great deal on radiators at bimmerzone.com $140 shipped, oem....check it out....and yea its ur radiator, hoses unless busted, dont leak like that

[rfthomas]

Thanks for all the help. Looks like I'll be ordering a radiator. Should I replace all the hoses while I'm at it?

RFT

[tomctx]

Unless you know when they were replaced, I would suggest replacing the hoses. You are going to have them loose anyway,and probably not much more money.

[hst]

Originally Posted by rfthomas

Thanks for all the help. Looks like I'll be ordering a radiator. Should I replace all the hoses while I'm at it?

RFT

No reason not to.

[Furious]

hoses are always a good idea to change, usually the return hoses are the ones that you should change, if you can only afford to get a few. but yes the rad has to go, stop leak is a bad idea, my mechanic says it actually will clog the rad up making the flow more restricted.

[Laker]

Pinch those tabs tighter. I did this to my Dodge Ram 3 years ago and never leaked since. Use a pair of vice grips or channel locks. Worth a try its free.