Use Stop Leak to fix radiator leak?

[mufflerbearing]

Hi all,  my 85 K100 RT has a pinhole leak in the bottom left area.  Can’t quite see it.  Appears to be near where the end cap clamps on to metallic portion.  Begins dripping as radiator/coolant heats up and pressure increases.  Before I either replace or attempt to repair it, do any of you see any problems using a stop leak product?
Thanks for any input.  Really appreciate this forum and the knowledge base out there.

[kris]

I used that stuff many, many years ago and I think it worked. Given that the Beemer rads are, arguably, over-sized and the Brick engine is pretty much automotive grade it's worth a shot. I don't think these "repair in a can" things are worth much over the long haul. A good rad shop might be a better solution.


Let's see what the others think.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Those leak repair in the bottle elixirs are for the crooks who need to get rid of a car with a leaky radiator.  They usually last just long enough that the guy who put it in to sell you the vehicle can say "geez, it didn't leak when you bought it".

There are a lot of good used radiators on the market.  I would get one and do it right.  With the radiator off, you can check the engine temperature sensor, clean it's terminals, and replace the fuel line to the pressure regulator.  I realize it's not a 20 minute job, but if you keep the bike, it's a job your going to be doing, probably during the best part of the riding season.  If you're lucky, it won't fail 50 miles from home.

Personally, I would replace it as a winter project.

[Martin]

+1 Gryph, the only time I would and have used them is for emergency use, to get me home. Once home the radiator was cleaned properly and repaired. If the core and fins are good on this radiator, I would take it to a reputable radiator shop and see if it could be repaired.
Regards Martin.

[stokester]

I'm on board with Gryph and Martin on this - fix it right by replacing or repairing the radiator.


The only stop leak product that I've seen from an OEM, albeit GM for a specific issue, is to seal engine porosity in engine components.

[mufflerbearing]

Thanks gang,
Before I buy a used one, I think I will look into having a repair shop fix it. I’m a fan of fixing rather than replacing when able. If anyone has had a good experience with repairing, or could recommend a shop please chime in.
Thanks.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

It's been a while, but my experience with radiator repair is that the cost is about the same as a good used radiator.  At the end of the day I feel better with an intact unit vs. a repaired one, especially with so many good used units out there.