XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

Radiator sealer any good ?

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Old 01-01-2023, 05:07 PM
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Default Radiator sealer any good ?

Hi guys I have tiny leak in my radiator I don't want to pull it out before I use radiator sealer. So I want to remove the thermostat and then pour bars leaks radiator sealer but I read here n there it's not good for heater core so should I give it a try or no ?
 
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Old 01-01-2023, 06:03 PM
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When I read your question, I remembered that Scotty Kilmer did make a clip about it:
I guess his answer is "maybe, but if you are not 100% that you do not have a blown head gasket, then don't."

I would not use sealer ever, because, if it does what it promises, then it seals, and most likely not only where you want it to seal, i.e. you could have adverse side effects, e.g. a stuck thermostat.
 
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Old 01-01-2023, 06:33 PM
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I would highly suggest just replacing the radiator with another used one. Very easy to replace. Maybe not in your city but, I’m sure there’s plenty of them in boneyards. You’ll run that engine into grenade zone with any kind of stop leak in my opinion.
 
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Old 01-01-2023, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Addicted2boost
I would highly suggest just replacing the radiator with another used one. Very easy to replace. Maybe not in your city but, I’m sure there’s plenty of them in boneyards. You’ll run that engine into grenade zone with any kind of stop leak in my opinion.
Alright What if I remove the thermostat then add the sealer?
 
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Old 01-01-2023, 08:19 PM
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park the car

glass block sealer is good for a pos with a slightly blown head gasket or junk rovers with cracked blocks. the radiator is so easy to replace don’t even waste your time

if you’re really desperate use the gm tablets those used to come stock in some of the caddys corvettes and old v12 xjs. pretty harmless stuff
 

Last edited by xalty; 01-01-2023 at 08:21 PM.
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Old 01-01-2023, 09:47 PM
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The various stop-leak products on the shelf today will stop minor leaks, however in my opinion
they should only be used in an emergency situation to get you home or to a shop. Even then
one runs the risk of curtailing coolant flows to various parts of the engine and heater core.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 12:53 AM
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Alright thank you guys I will get used radiator I just replaced the engine tensioners and guides I don't want to hurt this engine
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 02:34 AM
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Well, maybe my post was too long..!? That is what I wrote do not use sealer.
Also: I have not checked prices, but is a new radiator that expensive? I would go for a new one...
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 03:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Peter_of_Australia
Well, maybe my post was too long..!? That is what I wrote do not use sealer.
Also: I have not checked prices, but is a new radiator that expensive? I would go for a new one...
Thanks for help . New radiator price I guess 1000$ not Worth it at all it's just denso radiator. I will get used one because it's in bad shape however before that I will use some epoxy maybe with some luck stop the leak
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 04:31 AM
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I do not know, in which country you are and I do not know exactly what your radiator looks like. I just had a brief look in ebay and I spotted some new radiators, which are supposed to fit for some Jaguar XJ's, and they are about AU$270. Thus, wherever you are: Check google and ebay first for a new radiator. I bought recently one very cheap (new) on ebay for a Ford Fairlane NL.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 06:03 AM
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I just checked Parts Geek and saw Nissens for about $250. Are they any good?
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Peter_of_Australia
I do not know, in which country you are and I do not know exactly what your radiator looks like. I just had a brief look in ebay and I spotted some new radiators, which are supposed to fit for some Jaguar XJ's, and they are about AU$270. Thus, wherever you are: Check google and ebay first for a new radiator. I bought recently one very cheap (new) on ebay for a Ford Fairlane NL.
The Ford Fairlane nl radiator direct fit ?!
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by RJ237
I just checked Parts Geek and saw Nissens for about $250. Are they any good?
Make sure it has the fittings for AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Some 'inexpensive' radiators are for manual gearbox cars and people end up trying to 'work-around' the ATF cooler problem.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 10:07 AM
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Here in Tennessee, we still have a few radiator shops that really know what
they are doing. I have had seals and cores repaired at very low cost.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 01:42 PM
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Better to fix it tight rather than risking an even more expensive repair.

I did use the Bahrs product on my beater Chevy Malibu with a bad head gasket, which is a $3,000 repair (about what the whole car is worth). A year later and, knock on wood, it is still holding. It even checks out on a block test. Had it just been a radiator leak I would have chosen to replace the radiator.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by RJ237
I just checked Parts Geek and saw Nissens for about $250. Are they any good?
It's for later model not for our x308
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 04:24 PM
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I tried now to find a X308 radiator for my 1998/99 Jag, I see now what you mean. It is the 1000 Dollar range, at least AU$1000.

But I also found this - I did not read all, but maybe they have inspiration for you:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-192255/page2/

Depending on where your leak is, maybe it can be fixed with aluminium welding.

Also: When you remove the old radiator, make sure to unscrew those 2 bolts, which connect the A/C radiator to the real radiator. You get access to those 2 bolts after removing the 4 bolds from the front, which hold the decorative grill. And then it is a bit of juggling required to get the radiator out and keep the A/C radiator in. This is to keep the refrigerant in the A/C system - release of that would be very harmful to the environment and render your A/C useless.

And another idea: At least here in our small town we have a specialized radiator shop. If you find one of those, and bring them your radiator, maybe they can fix it...
 

Last edited by Peter_of_Australia; 01-02-2023 at 04:30 PM.
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Old 01-02-2023, 07:30 PM
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i know somebody here hacked an x350/x202 radiator in.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 08:19 PM
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I would highly recommend everybody reading this to download the:
Car-Part.com app and just search for an X308 (you’ll get more hits with just an XJ8) radiator. An XJ8 & XJR radiator are the exact same. Yes I know they’re used parts but, it’s a direct bolt in. It’s up to you to call them and ask for the condition of the radiator. First things first, call them and ask if they ship parts if they aren’t local to you.
 
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Old 01-02-2023, 11:11 PM
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There is one more option if you really don't want to pull it out. If you can identify the location of the leak, and it's accessible, you might be able to jb weld it. Now don't y'all crucify me yet.
Drain the cooling system and dry out the area. Scuff the surface to allow for better adhesion. Use a high temperature jb weld epoxy, there might actually be a specific product for radiators. The repair is a bit hit and miss. I've heard of some lasting forever and some leaking again 2 weeks later. But . . . it'll probably cost you less than 20 dollars and 1 hour.
 
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