When to stop using main dealer...

AdrianC

RegWorts wrote: »

Bars Seal (in the solid form) is the stuff to use for radiator leaks...

No, it is not. Bodgegoop - of whatever brand - is NOT the right thing to SOLVE leaks. It's the right thing to MASK them, if that's all you want to do, for long enough to get the car to the next MOT or WBAC or the auction.

The only proper, reliable, even-vaguely-long-term solution to solving a leaking radiator is to REPLACE the radiator. Anything else is a bodge.

RegWorts

AdrianC wrote: »

No, it is not. Bodgegoop - of whatever brand - is NOT the right thing to SOLVE leaks. It's the right thing to MASK them, if that's all you want to do, for long enough to get the car to the next MOT or WBAC or the auction.

The only proper, reliable, even-vaguely-long-term solution to solving a leaking radiator is to REPLACE the radiator. Anything else is a bodge.

Yes...but for many ££s...and this is the Money Saving Expert Forum

I`ve used it several times ( and recommended it many times ) since the 1960s and never had any further leak problems

The last time was when I had a leaking/partly corroded metal pipe (where the weld on a bracket had cracked ) on a fairly new Mondeo which never leaked again for 13 plus years !(and checked regularly )

This solid version is tried and tested and definitely works for the long term (ask the older mechanics in the trade or a classic car owner ) ...but the alternative liquid stuff (Holts Rad Weld , Bars Leaks liquid , Wynns Leak Stop etc ) do not appear to be so good.

Years ago the solid version was just called Bars Leaks (there was no liquid version then ) and was recommended to be used in everyday running as an insurance against leak problems ( I think it was Vauxhall ) .

AdrianC

RegWorts wrote: »

Yes...but for many ££s...and this is the Money Saving Expert Forum

A quick google finds new rads for Tourans from £40.

And spending on maintenance is a damn sight more money saving than bodging corners then looking surprised when the rad unzips properly, lunching the engine. Ever heard the phrase "A stitch in time..."?

roonaldo

AdrianC wrote: »

No, it is not. Bodgegoop - of whatever brand - is NOT the right thing to SOLVE leaks. It's the right thing to MASK them, if that's all you want to do, for long enough to get the car to the next MOT or WBAC or the auction.

The only proper, reliable, even-vaguely-long-term solution to solving a leaking radiator is to REPLACE the radiator. Anything else is a bodge.

Similar thing. I put Radweld (cost £10 I think) in my wifes old focus as head gasket leaked and was ok for 2 1/2 years until car was sold. Ok it was a bodge, but why was I wrong to do that when I saved a £400 bill and had no issues since?