Finally had a better look at the coolant leak issue on my 240 and have discovered that it isn't the welch plug under the exhaust manifold it's between the head and block :bawling: anyway, seeing it's an external leak and it's really pretty pathetic at this stage I thought I might give one of the sealant products a try. The head was only done about 5-6 years ago and it was about $1200 from memory so $50-60 for one of the more up-market products might do the trick. Has anyone had any experience of using these products (successfully)? And if so which brand etc, I've already done a bit of sniffing around and come up with https://www.nulon.com.au/products/cooling-systems/permanent-head-gasket-repair and http://www.barsleaks.com.au/product/bars-leaks-head-gasket-repair-600ml/ cheers......
Leaking coolant head gasket 240
Where in aus are you?
Was the head skimmed the last time the hg was done?
Was the head skimmed the last time the hg was done?
I'm in Tas, the original head was cracked apparently and the replacement (despite being crack-tested) was as well so the mayonnaise under the oil filler returned, mechanic fitted a third head (no charge) and it's been fine up until now. He had it planed and did all the right things that I would expect for $1200. I have read about re-torquing the head bolts to possibly sort it out but don't know if I can be bothered, I'm still tempted to use the chemical repair....
How bad is the leak?
You using 50/50 mix?
You using 50/50 mix?
It's more of a slow seepage, it's taken me a while to work it out as I've done quite a few bits and pieces in the last while, swapped out the water pump, replaced the heater feed pipe, had the radiator out etc. I'm using Penrite 350,000km green coolant 50/50 with de-ionised water, it has a "searching" quality so I've been told.
How often do you need to fill the coolant bottle?Porkchop;120538 wroteIt's more of a slow seepage, it's taken me a while to work it out as I've done quite a few bits and pieces in the last while, swapped out the water pump, replaced the heater feed pipe, had the radiator out etc. I'm using Penrite 350,000km green coolant 50/50 with de-ionised water, it has a "searching" quality so I've been told.
When I remember (it's my 19yo driving the vehicle) every couple of weeks, never really gets below the expansion tank outlet, so pretty slow...
Yeah... probobly do want to deal with itPorkchop;120550 wroteWhen I remember (it's my 19yo driving the vehicle) every couple of weeks, never really gets below the expansion tank outlet, so pretty slow...
I've never had any luck with any of the sealing stuff
Sounds like a defective hg to be honest if you want to keep the car... replace the hg
Cheap if doing it yourself
Careful using those product, they settle in the bottom of the radiator and set rock hard, Cost u more money in the long run.
Thanks Rob, have you had any personal experience of the Bars or the Nulon?
- Edited
I used this when a small amount of coolant started to leak into the combustion chamber. Worked fine and did a bunch more km up until I put a fresh motor it. Never noticed any ill effects.
supercheapauto.com.au/Product/DynaGrip-Metallic-Seal-Tite-Radiator-Stop-Leak-250mL/0468
That said, I wouldn't plan on it being a long term measure, just something to get you by until a more convenient time to fix it properly.
supercheapauto.com.au/Product/DynaGrip-Metallic-Seal-Tite-Radiator-Stop-Leak-250mL/0468
That said, I wouldn't plan on it being a long term measure, just something to get you by until a more convenient time to fix it properly.
I'd bet block is not flat, but if the car had cooked a few times that you don't know about, it will fail like that.
Thanks for that, I'd already ordered some of the Nulon product (it was about 1/2 price via Ebay+free delivery), I've read some good reviews online for the Seal-tite product but wanted to use something that didn't require draining the cooling system etc as I'm time-poor at the moment.VolvoHordz;120677 wroteI used this when a small amount of coolant started to leak into the combustion chamber. Worked fine and did a bunch more km up until I put a fresh motor it. Never noticed any ill effects.
Vee_Que;120782 wroteI'd bet block is not flat, but if the car had cooked a few times that you don't know about, it will fail like that.
Pretty sure the car hasn't been cooked and the head is a known quantity but it's certainly possible that the head isn't perfectly flat. I think it might be a result of my own slackness in terms of renewing and maintaining the coolant/anti-corrosion and possibly getting some cavitation as a result, it is only an external leak and very slowly weeping rather than anything dramatic, if the Nulon gives it a fighting chance then it will be worth the $35 I paid (half price). I've had a fully blown head gasket with internal leaks of water into the oil etc so at least I know what that looks/feels like and there's zero pressurisation at the reservoir so fingers crossed, I'll post again after trying the Nulon....
I have a 1985 240 GLE with same issue. Only done 288,360 kms. Same issue but we only use it on the farm to tow the trailer. She is indestructible! Will have to part company with her however as I am leaving Western Australia permanently. If anyone is keen on parts or rescuing her completely, let me know.
They certainly feel indestructible! Shame I live in Tas otherwise I'd pop around for a look....