hi all

new to forum. i just picked up a 93 ls w 193k miles. i want to put the stop leak directly into my radiator, but i cannot tell where it is. I dont think I need to input into the reservoir. Any ideas? any pics?

i got the car pretty cheap, so i am willing to make it my weekend project car within reason. it has some quirks, but otherwise pretty sweet ride.

any input is appreciated.

 

Look here. See picture #5. http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/cooling/coolant.html

Seem to be seeing lots on new members lately.

Better off finding the leak than add that stuff.

 

That stuff is usually only used I the car is considered garbage and is heading to the junk yard. It will never ever come back from that crap clogging all the small coolant ports and passages. Not to mention that the leak will re emerge if the car doesn't seize and die.
Bad idea!

 

^THis.

Find the leak and fix it. Don't try crappy patches like stop leak.

 

I agree. Dont do the shortcuts. Fix it right first time if you care.

 

Crap..Crap...Crap AVOID!

 

As others have stated,,,there is no such thing as "Miracle in a can". You will eventually do more long term damage with this short term repair; thus costing you MORE money to correct what you have done. It would be cheaper to just locate a donor from the local boneyard and replace; that would be your cheapest option. As far as NEW replacement, you could probably pick one up from rock auto or even one of our vendors for under $200. Just stay away from the stuff in the can, unless you are considering the car junk.

 

I agree with the above. If you're planning to write off the engine anyway, go ahead. If you want to keep it running, you're better off replacing the radiator. I've seen people burn up their engines after putting stop leak in the cooling system. I got lucky on my last car, at 189k it had a leak and a i poured some stop leak in. Turned out I needed to replace my water pump and radiator hoses, so the stop leak was unneccessary. I was damn lucky that it didn't plug the coolant passages and burn my engine up. I don't know if it did after I sold the car though.

 

+1 yes.

 

Lexus probably designed the radiators without a cap on top so you cant do this...replace the radiator its cheap and takes 15 minutes.

 

I think you guys should cut him some slack. Maybe he doesn't have the funds or the ability to fix his car the way you or I would. A car this age and with this many miles might be a perfect candidate for this stuff.

For an interesting read, GOOGLE it and you will see a form of this product is added to many cars these days from the factory. And no---it won't instantly turn your engine to crap.

Here is a link to GM Sealer

http://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm...r-3634621.html

http://paceperformance.com/i-6485739...m-engines.html


Even some of the bottles say "factory installed" on them. I'm sure the manufacturers don't want your car to leak at least until the warranty is up!

 

So you're saying someone who can't afford general maintenance just bought a Lexus?

 

Perhaps...yes.

 

This is a temporary solution for a fix that is to come. There may be other issues if the cooling system has been neglected. Adding this may result in more cooling system problems. If the small cooling passages are in need of a flush, adding this film may be the next step in blocking them up. The possibility also exists that the film will adhere to areas it is not wanted, that is the point why many of us say fix it properly.

 

I knew someone a few years ago that used a stop leak because of a pin hole in the rad on a 96 LS. Guy thought he was smart and was planning to resel the car for a few grand profit. Within like 80miles of adding the stuff the head gasket blew out. This is why I recommend against this stuff on the LS.