Unusual radiator leak solution

[bivenator]

I have a leak in the radiator of my Dodge truck. A quick internet search suggested putting an oz of pepper into the cooling system. The pepper will form a clot at the hole and fix the leak. I had never heard of this, anyone have an opinion?

[masraum]

I've used it, it works.

I heard this when I was working in the auto parts business. I had a crappy old Olds with a 307 V-8 that leaked at left front junction of the block, head, intake. It was a slow trickle. I drove it for months before I got around to fixing it. I'd put pepper in the radiator, and that would stop the leak for 3-4 weeks. I don't think I ever put as much as an oz in (probably a tsp or two), but it did work.

[GH85Carrera]

That might work for a short time in a real emergency but don't expect anything more than an short term fix. As soon as the engine cools down the pressure will be gone and the pepper will not hold, and you will have a cooling system contaminated wit pepper.

[id10t]

I've heard the same thing about egg whites...

Driving across the desert a long way from anywhere? Whatever it takes to get you to a phone/mechanic/etc. But I think you'd better plan on a LOT of fixing/replacing to get it all cleaned out ...

[scottmandue]

Black pepper?

[rcecale]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Black pepper?

Randy

[stomachmonkey]

I've always been told that those solutions can cause more trouble than they are worth.

Whatever substance is used to plug the leak does not discriminate and may plug up stuff you may not want it to.

[EarlyPorsche]

My dodge truck got a weird little leak past the lower hose and I was told to put black pepper in there as well. I put a good bit of it - I'd say a couple heaping tablespoons. The leak that would always shoot out after shutoff all went away and has stayed away!

[bivenator]

Thanks for the quick replys. Always amazing. I will give the pepper a try. My leak is in a similar spot as EarlyPorsche.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

That might work for a short time in a real emergency but don't expect anything more than an short term fix. As soon as the engine cools down the pressure will be gone and the pepper will not hold, and you will have a cooling system contaminated wit pepper.

Nope, it lasts quite a bit longer than "as soon as the engine cools down". I'd expect to get at least a week, probably more out of a treatment.

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I've always been told that those solutions can cause more trouble than they are worth.

Whatever substance is used to plug the leak does not discriminate and may plug up stuff you may not want it to.

I was dubious as well. Actually, the reason that I used the pepper was that I figured it would be a better solution than something like "Bars-Leak" or the gray powder that most parts places sell. The benefit of the pepper is that eventually, it'll break down unlike metal filings. I ran the car like that for a LONG time (at least a year) and never had problems with overheating or anything else weird. I also only used a smallish amount at a time.

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Black pepper?

Yes

[nota]

ground walnut shells = bars leak

[id10t]

Originally Posted by nota

ground walnut shells = bars leak

Before or after using them for polishing media in a case tumbler?

[scottmandue]

So.... should I drain the Tabasco out of my radiator?

[Normy]

I've heard of using cinnamon instead of pepper, though I bet both would work in a pinch.

N

[cgarr]

You guys are making me hungry!