Coolanat Leak advise needed

[Daninski]

I have a leak in my coolant line. It dosen't always leak but I'd rather fix it than be sorry latter. Anyone get a leak here before? I assume it's an o ring seal that needs to be replaced.

[Daninski]

Anyone?

[fowljesse]

Nope, you're the lucky guy to debut this problem!

[mitmaks]

looks like pita to fix, I'd try some sealant first and see if it fixes it

[Daninski]

PITA indeed. I figure once I start fooling with the coolant lines I'll have to re-O ring all of them. I'd use rad stop leak but I'm kind of a stickler for doing the job right the first time. I might go to the pick and pull and rip that part off one of their cars and look at it before I start my own.

[ninja_man]

i have one just kicking it around the house. if i think about it later i might go rip it apart and look in it

[Daninski]

Thanks, I did have a spare K8 but my buddy needed the trailer it was on and scrapped it.

[davmac]

Hope I'm wrong, but ...you may need to make a salvage yard run for a new thermostat housing (all k series engines will interchange).
I replaced head gaskets late last summer. I had the thermostat housing off and IIRC the thermostat housing is 1 piece. Maybe the small water hose that attaches to the smaller diam. pipe that runs across valley of the engine is dry rotted. If you're sure it is in the metal seam then it wouldn't hurt to try some RTV at the seam and let it cure before driving.

[Daninski]

Hey if I have to I'll have the bloody thing welded and call it a day.

[mitmaks]

PITA indeed. I figure once I start fooling with the coolant lines I'll have to re-O ring all of them. I'd use rad stop leak but I'm kind of a stickler for doing the job right the first time. I might go to the pick and pull and rip that part off one of their cars and look at it before I start my own.

Wouldn't use stop leak, instead try sealing it on the outside, epoxy, etc. whatever works

[Daninski]

I'd do an external repair as a temp but with the expansion and contraction, heat and the coolant itself I don't think most products would hold up. Scottch Weld maybe, Devcon Structual Adhesive is a little flexible. Hell I'll probably take it apart so peace of mind. The liquid rad seal works pretty good. Might give that a go, leave it for a week then drain and refill the sytem and see if if fixes the problem. any other suggestions?

[fowljesse]

I don't like sealants that you put into the system. I don't trust them to not gum things up. I would imagine that if you were to JB weld (or something similar) an Aluminum piece over thr leaky part, it would last. Just clamp it on over the gook, and it should take the expansion and contraction.

[Daninski]

I just PM's johnmx3ze to ask to check his ZE as it's out of his car so he shuld be able to tell me whats needed to fix the leak.

[davmac]

Obviously the best solution would be to get and install a new / used thermostat housing. 2nd best option would be to seal from the outside. God forbid its a Honda product, but I hear that Hondabond HT is a great adhesive / sealant. You can get the stuff here - and probably any Honda dealer.

[Daninski]

Problem with sealing from the outside is eventually the pressure will probably force the coolant past the seal. Anyone else ever taken this apart? If you have a spare/old K8 sitting around could you have a look at this part and get back to me, anyone. Thanks