cracking an egg into a car radiator

[andy2306]

I have a small leak on my punto radiator, rad weld has not worked,

Ive been advised by a friend who happens to be a science teacher that i should crack an egg into the radiator to solve the problem

Im just worried it might cause other problems, has anyoe done this, does it work and is their any other option other than fitting a new radiator?


Also 1 egg or 2 and do i need to add some salt and pepper??

Andy

 

[JohnD]

Can you see where the leak is; where the water is coming out? This is important. It's not a hose or a crack in the engine? Is it a rust hole? Or corrosion in the matrix? Or impact damage?

The egg will mostly clog any small waterways when it goes hard. This will include some cracks, and some parts of the cooling system (which you do not want to do).

Depending what the damage is, it will quite likely open up again; then you will have a clogged cooling system, and a leaking radiator

Call your local Motor Factor with the age and model, a replacement radiator will probably cost you (very roughly) £50 - £70.

Fitting it will take a DIY mechanic an afternoon with your Haynes manual and a few spanners.

 

[jdp-tiling]

it does actually work just use the white.... although i would only use it as a temp fix.

 

[andy2306]

Thanks guys, think i'll have a go with it for a temp fix while the haynes manual reaches me!!!

Ive got one or two other jobs i need to do on the car as well so the haynes will help me with those!!

I thought just the white as well

Do i want the engine warm or cold?

 

[dmc63]

Wouldn't put an egg in if i was you , cause more problems in the long run,locate the leak and repair it is your less costly option in the long run.

 

[stevesey]

You say the leak is from the radiator - if you can see where it is mix up some body filler and apply liberally in blob about the size of a 10p (push into the rad core). Allow to dry for 20mins top up and drive off (add rad weld for good measure).

Did a couple of times many years ago after flicked up stones an punctured the radiator on a couple of my cars.

 

[Stivino]

It works but, bite the bullet and get a new or reconditioned radiator. Phone round a few places to get a good price.

 

[RigidRaider]

Take the car along to your local radiator specialist who will pressure test it, locate the leak and then rebuild the rad for you, all for a modest price.

 

[libby lou lou]

porridge oats does the same, or, two handfuls of bog, either side of the rad

 

[pugtech]

Dont put anything in the radiator apart from coolant!

Seriously, if anything you put it does not emulsify (e.g. the egg) or starts floating around inside, you run the risk of whatever it is passing into the engine. It could potentially block water jackets around the block, shear the impeller on the water pump and cause more damage than its worth obviously resulting in a lot of money to put right.

Replace the radiator asap because the punto does seem to be prone to thermostat problems and overheating and the biggest fault it seems to have is head gaskets failing very early (approx 40/45k miles)

 

[JamesHughes]

http://www.radiatorsonline.co.uk/

Cheap as chip for rads. Hardly worth geting one repaired, unless you can easily access the hole and repair with epoxy or chemical metal (from experience, works well on ali rads)

James

 

[JohnD]

Strongly agree with JamesHughes

I swapped mine last year, took me an afternoon (I'm a slow worker) including cleaning the fans and expansion bottle and replacing rusty bolts with new ones.

Bodging about trying to mend the old one could have taken as much time and probably not lasted a week.

 

[empip]

Take the car along to your local radiator specialist who will pressure test it, locate the leak and then rebuild the rad for you, all for a modest price.

I'll second that !!

Once knocked (the fan actually did that) two 'sidesaddle' tanks apart from the matrix (off road) local repairer fixed the rad, cheaply - I expected to have to buy new - the repair remained working perfectly, at vehicle sale 60k miles down the road. .. mind you that was back in '76 !