Radiator leak - is this alternative a good idea?

[jdbs3]

1990 Vanagon GL - Only used from May to November; no plans to get rid of it.

Been loosing coolant fluid for the last few years. Typically, the expansion tank behind the license plate needs to be topped off about 2 - 3 times over the season, so losing ~16 - 24 oz. over 7 months.

Finally took it to my mechanic, an independent who once worked at a VW dealership. He found the leak where the aluminum core is epoxied to the plastic end cap. Since it is currently just seeping, he suggested I might want to try a “stop leak” like product. He cautioned against using Stop Leak, but suggested trying Subaru Cooling System Conditioner; he said it was not as aggressive as the Stop Leak, but seemed to work.

While I’ll be able to tell fairly soon whether it stops the seepage, my concern is 1) not wanting to use something that might cause other problems downstream, and 2) not wanting to rely on a product like this if planning to drive the van long distances (thousands of miles) on a long trip.

Yes, replacing the radiator is the correct long term fix, but any thoughts on using this Subaru product?

Thanks

[dhaavers]

You'll certainly wind up with varied opinions as others chime in, but on the advice
of a Samba guru or two, I now run the Suby sauce year-round. As long as the
long-term plan is to replace the bad rad, I see no harm in using the conditioner
temporarily OR longer. It's use has been long documented here & elsewhere.

IOW, one vote to go for it...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[djkeev]

The Subaru product has been used extensively by Vanagon owners for years.

Most install it as a hoped for solution to weeping head seals. Some install it as a preventative measure warding off leaks.

Many sing it praises, some cuss it out.

I've not read a single post about verifiable cooling system damage. 10cents did a long post on the product years ago.

I've never used it, but based upon my time spent here and what I've read, Of all the products designed for cooling system leaks on the market, this is the product that I would use.

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Vanagon Nut]

I've been using it in my '88 with no obvious ill effects.

this Subaru TSB is interesting and may shed light:

https://www.carmd.com/Tsb/Download/82708/42513

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[jdbs3]

Thanks for the feedback; I found tencentlife's post on the topic, and read the Subaru bulletin.

For those who use it, how do you recommend adding it to the system?

Oops - continued reading tencentlife's thread - "Of course, the expansion tank. Not the reserve tank behind the license plate."

[Wildthings]

It needs to be added to the pressure (expansion) tank while the engine is running. Do this on a cool engine so you don't blow coolant everywhere and scald yourself. You may need to remove some coolant first if the tank is full to the brim. Hold the revs up on the engine while you have the cap off the tank just like you would do if you were bleeding the system, a matchbook or popsicle stick under the throttle stop will keep the revs up.

BTW, radiators do not cost much and aren't particularly hard to replace, though the process can be messy. There was a good discussion on the best brand of radiator to buy just a couple of weeks ago.

[E1]

With trepidation of verbal scalding, add me to the Just Do It camp.

<<< E1 runs and hides >>>
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[jdbs3]

Wildthings,

[jdbs3]

bump

[djkeev]

[jdbs3]

Thanks - that looks to be the one referenced by Wildthings.