Technical Leaking Heater Matrix - which sealant

[TopSideControl]

I've a leaking header matrix but to be honest I've no intention of replacing it due to cost and new car coming in the next 12 months.

I see some threads about using a sealant to stop the leak (barlsleak, etc) but I was wondering if someone can recommend which is the best one to try?

And/or whats the impact of simply ignoring it or topping up the fluid.

 

[flisko]

if you will buy new car in 12 months it probably doesnt matter if you keep topping up or use radweld

 

[varesecrazy]

I've a leaking header matrix but to be honest I've no intention of replacing it due to cost and new car coming in the next 12 months.

I see some threads about using a sealant to stop the leak (barlsleak, etc) but I was wondering if someone can recommend which is the best one to try?

And/or whats the impact of simply ignoring it or topping up the fluid.

Very easy to compromise engine cooling.

Unless car is truly on borrowed time
id do the repair/ swap..as a Headgasket failure is all too likely with radweld..

 

[bluejohn125]

I used Wynns on my Brava as a temporary repair, on the advise of a mechanic. It took a few days before it finally sealed. I gave the system a good flush with the corresponding Wynns product first.

I replaced the matrix later after cleaning everything out again, and it's been fine.

 

[flisko]

Very easy to compromise engine cooling.

Unless car is truly on borrowed time
id do the repair/ swap..as a Headgasket failure is all too likely with radweld..

i have heard of people driving years with radweld, unless its all bull****

 

[digger58]

If you are planning on keeping the car for 12 months I'd bite the bullet and do a decent job, I presume its the matrix leaking and not the valve! the plus side of this is the interior of the car stays dry and the cooling system is without radweld in it. I think they're about €85 new.

 

[varesecrazy]

i have heard of people driving years with radweld, unless its all bull****

In IRON HEAD 1950 's designs maybe..

 

[bluejohn125]

I think Radweld is the one everyone thinks about but is a clumsy solution... the Wynns took a little while to seal fully so I think it's a bit more subtle. Also you don't need to chuck the whole bottle in at once, especially if the leak is fairly minor.

 

[bluejohn125]

I agree it Could be just the "tap" and not the matrix itself (don't know the actual Punto design)... I thought I'd need to swap the matrix on my Tipo but it was the tap (I think Fiat called it something else).

If you just keep topping up you will still get constant damp in the cabin and the car will mist up, then you try to use the leaking heater to demist it, etc etc....

 

[Brendan W]

Seen a few on here trying to unblock heater cores after using radfixer and quite a few heads with clogged passages after a hg failure.
Doesn't happen in all cases but there are better things than radweld out there.
I would bypass the heater before using it and maybe fit one of these... http://jalopnik.com/5884629/swiss-man-installs-wood-burning-stove-in-his-volvo

 

[PuntoHowTo]

To be fair if it's a budget model punto then replacing the matrix isn't going to be the most horrific job in the world

 

[dave]

you could bypass the matrix and then use one of these http://www.coopersofstortford.co.uk...rtford-ceramic-car-heater-12v-dc-prodst06539i

 

[Ziggy122]

Id not bypass heater just yet because of the fact its cold and will need to demist

Unless you can get a 12v heater blower

Ziggy

 

[dave]

Unless you can get a 12v heater blower

Ziggy

that should be what is in the link