Radiator tail leaking (2024)

FAQs

Can you over tighten radiator tails? ›

If you over-tighten them then you might deform the 'O' ring and no seal occurs. To avoid this, you need to put them in just hand-tight and then about a quarter turn with a spanner will be fine.

Start with a couple of turns...then build up to several layers mimicking a tapered thread. Don't forget to wind the tape in the same direction as you are turning the fitting... And as Terrymac says Fernex LS-X leak sealer is VERY effective sealant to achieve a belt-and-braces job!

When applying the tape clockwise, it's recommended that you wrap it around the thread three or four times. This is thick enough to prevent leaks, but not too thick that you can't get the nut on.

Scientifically tested, K-Seal, K-Seal HD and K-Seal Ultimate are the #1 head gasket sealer and radiator leak repair, able to do the following: seal holes up to 0.635mm in diameter. seal slots or crack up to 0.254mm wide by 12.7mm long.

Even if you were to replace the radiator itself, there would still be remnants of the stop leak throughout the vehicle's cooling system. At Wrench, we do not recommend that you ever use any of these types of products on your vehicle because the damage it causes will far exceed the money you may have saved.

When fitting the valve tail in to the bush turn it finger tight then using a spanner turn it until there is only moderate resistance. Using a 4” spanner it is difficult to over tighten. A thread sealant must be applied to the radiator end caps and to the valve tail threads to get a water tight seal.

Basically, rad tails can be thought of as a finishing detail for a radiator or towel rail, essential for encasing valves and making sure they can perform to their optimal capacity.

Maybe you're Martha Stewart, and you're on your way to make a frittata. RAY: Anyway, you realize you've got a radiator leak. If the leak is small enough and you drop a raw egg into the radiator, pieces of the egg might “cook” and harden, clogging the hole that's letting coolant leak out.

Use pepper to seal small leaks.

The pepper, like sealant or egg yolks, will travel through the coolant system and get caught in the crack as the pressure tries to flush it out. This will create a temporary seal that you can use to hold coolant and pressure long enough to drive for a short time.

Often, a leak at the radiator valve coupling nut can often be fixed by simply retightening the coupling. If this fails, you'll need to replace the olive inside the coupling. To do this you have to drain the heating system of water and then loosen the nut between the leaking pipe and the radiator.

What happens if you use too much PTFE tape? ›

If the tape is wrapped in a counterclockwise direction (or against the direction of the thread) it will unravel when mating into the female connection. Also, do not use too much Teflon tape as this could be counterproductive and prevent the joint from sealing properly and/or causing the tape to gum up.

You should not use Teflon tape in compression fittings. The actual airtight seal is not at the treads. I tape the treads sometimes, to keep the treads clean. Make sure the end is not covered with any part of the tape to avoid interfering with the actual seal.

Often, a leak at the radiator valve coupling nut can often be fixed by simply retightening the coupling. If this fails, you'll need to replace the olive inside the coupling. To do this you have to drain the heating system of water and then loosen the nut between the leaking pipe and the radiator.

First, try tightening the gland nut to see if the leak stops. If not, loosen the nut and wrap PTFE tape around the spindle before tightening it again. If the leak persists, draining the system and replacing the valve may be necessary. If all else fails, calling a plumber is recommended.