I have a 20-year-old Tahoe that I’ve had since it was at 85k miles. Now I’m dealing with a radiator leak, and I’m wondering if I should try K-seal or just go for a full replacement. If I decide to use K-seal, is it better to run it for a few days and then flush the system, or do I have to leave it in? Replacing the radiator might cost me around $1k or more, and the car is only worth about $5-6k. I’ve already spent over $2000 this year on brakes, tires, water pump, windshield, and other repairs. It’s been a good vehicle for almost 100k miles, but I’m also looking around for my next ride. The leak is dripping down from the top of the radiator on the driver’s side, but not where the hose connects, more below that.
Radiators aren’t that expensive and are pretty easy to replace. I wouldn’t recommend putting K-seal in your engine.
Jensen said:
Radiators aren’t that expensive and are pretty easy to replace. I wouldn’t recommend putting K-seal in your engine.
Yeah, I agree. I just replaced a radiator in my truck and it wasn’t too hard. Definitely better to fix it right.
@Indigo
What model truck do you have? Was it a hassle?
Wyatt said:
@Indigo
What model truck do you have? Was it a hassle?
It’s a GMC. It took me under an hour, but the fan clutch was a pain. Just a bit of a hassle with the transmission lines.
You really need to fix it properly. That K-seal stuff could clog everything up, not just the leak.
Chase said:
You really need to fix it properly. That K-seal stuff could clog everything up, not just the leak.
Thanks for the heads-up. I really don’t want to mess up the whole system.
Don’t put any type of stop leak in anything. Ever. I’ve heard too many horror stories about it messing things up.
Adair said:
Don’t put any type of stop leak in anything. Ever. I’ve heard too many horror stories about it messing things up.
Yeah, I had a friend who used that stuff and ended up needing a whole new system.
Zem said:
If the leak is at the joint where the plastic meets the metal, you might be able to pinch the clamp to apply more pressure on the gasket.
That’s a good tip. I’ll check that out to see if it helps.
Replacing the radiator is the way to go. Don’t skimp on this kind of repair; it’s important for the engine’s health.
Ren said:
Replacing the radiator is the way to go. Don’t skimp on this kind of repair; it’s important for the engine’s health.
How much did yours cost? Just curious if it’s worth it to fix or not.
@Kai
I got mine for around $272 from AutoZone. Not bad at all for a new radiator.
I replaced the radiator on my Yukon right in my front yard. It wasn’t hard at all. Just take your time.
I had a bad experience with stop-leak too. My mechanic warned me against it after seeing another customer’s vehicle that had been ruined by it.