radiator hose sealant
 

Hi, I have a constant seep of antifreeze from the top of my top radiator hose to neck connection.
I've tried new hoses but found the problem to be a few VERY SMALL dings or flat spots on surface in the radiator neck.
I Tried all the usual steps, a little grease on the outside of the neck & etc but nothing seems to cure it, I am afraid of over tightening the hose clamp any further and damaging the neck so I thought a sealant or Permatex gasket maker on the surface might help but I'm of course cautious about using anything that might adhere the hose to the neck and make a later hose removal a big problem.
I have 4 or 5 types of Permatex Products in the garage, Ultra Copper #101BR, Ultra Black #82180, Black Silcone#81158, Blue RTV #6B & Red Hi-Temp RTV#80726. Anyone have a suggestion on best choice? (Or other suggestions?)
I don't want to take a chance on cracking or damaging the neck to tank solder joint so I'm not wanting to take out the radiator for attempted repairs unless all else fails.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

permatex 2

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Clean up neck good sand/file smooth edges of neck in good shape. I use Indian Shellac . Never a leaking problem,!

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

If you want to seal it now but be able to take the hose off in the future without having to cut or destroy the hose, use a light coating of Hylomar AF inside the hose. The original Hylomar was called Hylomar Blue, but I prefer the later, improved formulation Hylomar AF.

This stuff is amazing.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Use a piece of steel about 1 3/4" diameter to stick inside the top radiator inlet and tap the inlet back into a nice round shape.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Make sure the leak is not from the connection of the inlet to the top tank. A common leak point. High load there and it fatigues the solder joint.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

I use Permatex 2 with good results.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

i have used a light wipe of RTV around the inside of the hose to stop a similar weep i had. I never had a problem removing the hose, a little twist and it was off.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

You might try a pipe expander, they come in different sizes:

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Thanx for all the replies! I'm going to try the Permatex #2 or the Hylomar AF, the small depressions and distortions are minor enough that i think the proper sealant will cure it, if not I'll go into plan B and work on the inlet, I just don't want to chance cracking a solder joint at the tank and cause more grief than I was trying to cure!
I did confirm that it's not coming down from above the hose.
Thanx again, to all, for your input.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

I agree.
I have a set of 3 sizes that cost less than $20 delivered. Auto parts stores also lend or rent tools to use. Carry your radiator to the store and you can fix it on the spot.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Permatex 2 for sure. Use it. Not too much, just enough.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

I used a pipe expander for this exact problem. I put a couple hose clamps on the outside of the inlet and the extender inside. I put just enough tension on both to get the inlet back to round, not enough to stretch or break anything.

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Here is a set on Amazon Prime for $30. Chap

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Pipe-Expa...=pipe+expander

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Joe, I have a rube expander if you need it.
Bob Giles

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Hi Bob, since you in the same neighborhood I may take you up on that. I could stop by this weekend if your in town. Shouldn't need it for very long, just let me know when it's convenient and I can
pick it up 814-659-8989. thanx!

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

Joe, we are heading out to Greensburg for the AACA Grand National. I put it in my mail box, left of the house garage door. Good luck.
Bob

Re: radiator hose sealant
 

If you are using the original type hose clamps a leak is often caused by the little tab that is supposed to glide across the outer diameter of the hose. Instead it digs into the hose and creates a tunnel right below it. The more you tighten the clamp the larger the tunnel gets.


What I do is use a product called Silicone spray lubricant by Gunk. I spray both the inside and out side of the hose with it. The spray on the inside makes it slide onto the castings easy and the spray on the outside lets the little tab glide across the hose without digging in.


I use original clamps and without any sealer and do not have a problem with hose leaks.


Tom Endy