Coolent Stop Leak Ok ?

I have an 87 300td wagon, i smell coolent at times, and my coolent light comes on about every 1000 miles and i need to add coolent. it looks like a very small leak near the waterpump-is it ok to try to put a can of stop leak in?

[79-240d-project]

I would not use it if you have/use a block heater. The block heater directions specifically warn against it.

[The Warden]

I would highly recommend against using it unless you're in an emergency situation. The Stop-Leak will do a really good job of plugging up the hole...along with any other small passage (thermostat, radiator cores, etc) in the cooling system.

I would make an effort to find and correct the leak. It may well be a hose.

Just my $.02...good luck!

[Stevo]

I agree about NOT using that stuff. Get your system pressure tested and find the leak.

[Grdenko]

i used that stuff when my radiator started leaking a whole lot, worked for one day, then the leaks came back, totally not worth it, especially if it could damage your engine.

[Jorn]

I used to have a '85 VW convertible with more then 500K on the clock, at one day the radiator was leaking badly when I was away from home, "repaired" it with chewing gum, drove with it for months till I put a new one in.

[wolf_walker]

Originally posted by Jorn
I used to have a '85 VW convertible with more then 500K on the clock, at one day the radiator was leaking badly when I was away from home, "repaired" it with chewing gum, drove with it for months till I put a new one in.

Yeah, but that's a VW, they don't require all the extravagant service the Mercedes do to last..



~runs and hides~

[The Warden]

Originally posted by wolf_walker
Yeah, but that's a VW, they don't require all the extravagant service the Mercedes do to last..



~runs and hides~

True, but you don't have to rebuild M-B engines every 10K miles either

*flame suit on*

(BTW, yes, I had an air-cooled Volkswagen that blew a piston and was rebuilt, and blew another piston {actually, it was the same cylinder} less than 10K miles later)

[Jorn]

That was an amazing car, when I sold it, it passed California smog test above average....the guys where stunned and so was I!