Leaking Coolant or Intercooler System?

For the coolant system use this stuff:


BUT DO NOT USE IT IN THE INTERCOOLER SYSTEM!!!!!
It works so well that it seals way before reaching operating temps. I did and thought to pass this info before you have to pull the block out of the lower intake. I developed a small leak in the frontal H.E. This stuff sealed so well that it effectively COMPLETELY stopped flow. I had to disconnect the hoses to the in-block H.E., pipe up my air compressor to it and send 44-psig to partially clear it. Now, the system trickles at best.

I'm at a loss what to do now. I would hate to remove it to have it hot tanked. Maybe go with even more air pressure? Any ideas?

I’d start by pulling the pump and see if that’s your issue.


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MG0h3 said:

I’d start by pulling the pump and see if that’s your issue.


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The first thing I did was disassemble the hoses at key points. I then tested the pump. It is fine. I even have a spare and both flow similarly. I then put my lips to the disconnected hoses to find the interference. I checked the leaking H.E. first. Minimal air restriction, about what you'd expect. I moved up to the in-block brick and tried to blow through it. NO FLOW AT ALL. This is when I connected my air compressor and with the other hose disconnected, blew through it until I felt air coming out. This is where the stop leak plugged passageways.

Then I reconnected everything, filled it with water and ran it. Now it flows, but I equate it to a one inch deep flow trickling down a one foot diameter pipe. Not good.

I called K-Seal and asked for advice. I was told just run clean water and it will eventually clear up. I'm not sold on this because what they are saying, essentially, is that with time, the seals the product makes eventually breaks down.

Willie

Sounds like your best bet is going to be pulling the intercooler and having it cleaned properly. Or if you've been looking for a reason to upgrade I think you found it.

Why didn't you have a radiator shop fix the leak in the heat exchanger?

01yellercobra said:

Sounds like your best bet is going to be pulling the intercooler and having it cleaned properly. Or if you've been looking for a reason to upgrade I think you found it.

Why didn't you have a radiator shop fix the leak in the heat exchanger?

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I fixed it. More below.

It was way too easy to pour the stuff into the reservoir. I'm getting old, man! But when I realized I had a non-working system, I had to pull it all apart. I inquired at two local shops and neither would guarantee the fix because it's aluminum... So I ended up shipping it back to C & R, who is going to repair it. It cost $93 to ship FedEx ground one way. Are you kidding me?

I did not like the idea of having to wait one month to get it back, so I put the stock unit back in temporarily. At least I can drive the car.

This afternoon, I disconnected both hoses to the brick, hooked up my air compressor once again, but this time, reversed the flow. Look at what blew out. The sides of the bucket were clean. All that crap stuck on the sides blew out. >>


Mind you when the system was running, the outflow into the reservoir was clear. So to see this crap come out, I was a little surprised. Anyway, I disconnected the air and blew into one of the lines and it felt much freer. I blew into the other line and it was free too. I then filled the brick with water, reconnected the system and ran the pump. I now have good flow, so I think it's working again.

Willie

Glad you got it worked out Willie!

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Thanks, it's working as it should now. Just one small bottle of stop leak did this.. Consider it a lesson learned...

Willie

I’ve seen heater cores cut open after someone put stop leak in

Half the core was plugged.

Hate to say it, but I’d be concerned with reduced cooling at the IC now.


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Just think what's in the heat exchanger.

MG0h3 said:

I’ve seen heater cores cut open after someone put stop leak in

Half the core was plugged.

Hate to say it, but I’d be concerned with reduced cooling at the IC now.


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I have fluid temp gauges on my intercooler system, before and after, and air temp gauges, pre/post SC so I will be monitoring effectiveness.

Willie