My JD 450C just started leaking coolant. I have it on a jobsite and need to use it for about 3 more hours. I ran it last week after adding about a gallon or more coolant. The thermostat is working as I kept my eyes on the temp gauge. After about 20 good minutes that temp would reach and stay at about 180 without cooling down which I attribute to low coolant by then. I just need to finish this job and then I will bring it back and remove the radiator for repair. My question is, should I use a radiator stop leak solution to get me through? If so, what is the best stuff out there and what are the side-effects of me using that to get thru the job? If I add, am I gonna cause more problems with clogging up engine ports or something? I haven't actually seen where the hole is....I pulled the overflow tube out and let it hang outside of the grill and then I ran the dozer until the temp stayed at 180 again....shut it down and watched until I finally saw a drip underneath the radiator.....can't see any fluid coming thru the fins for a obvious hole. Can I loosen the cap and run it? Should I get a pressure test kit and try to make it leak after filling with water? I just need to finish this job.
Try loosening the cap first. I've used "bars leak" with good results. Most times it cured the leak for years.
Thx much....I just looked it up and there are many variants of "Bars", any particular one that you used?
It's been long time since I had to use it The one we used had pellets in it.
A lot of times just loosening the radiator cap one click will slow the leak enough to finish the job, just watch your temperature!
three hours? just keep adding water. 180 is no problem at all, but if that's how you know it's low, add water and keep running. hopefully you have a rain barrel so you're not adding swamp water or well water. If you only have hard well water, buy distilled water. No way would I put bars leak in, especially not knowing what's leaking. Have you tightened the hose clamps?
As much as I hate to use an additive to stop a leak. I have used water glass also known as liquid glass with excellent long lasting results.