alumaseal

t2933rm · 08-20-2001, 05:41 AM

has anyone ever tried alumaseal or barsleak on a seal leak in the cooling system?

i have a 84' 944na and i am getting coolant from what looks like a freeze plug or engine coolant drain above my water pump. the coolant is running down the water pump but it is clearly comming from the rubber seal around the plug. (i don't know what that plug is for and i am guessing on the drain/freeze idea). it has a 17mm head on the nut. it kind of looks like a large oil drain plug. i cannot turn it at all, it seams to be rusted.

diannone · 08-20-2001, 06:00 AM

ive used barsleak in the past, good stuff, but never tried it in a porsche

t2933rm · 08-20-2001, 06:46 AM

i have used bars in a 79 gran torino station wagon myself but this is sooo different. and i am sooo new to porsche.

if i can use it how should i get it in, expansion tank and all?

TomH · 08-20-2001, 09:32 AM

Don't think anyone here is going to recommend that you put that kind of stuff in a P-car. Too many sensitive seals that could be compromised.

Do it right, and get the leak fixed.

Ehab · 08-20-2001, 09:58 AM

I was considering it, but was advised against it, since it might easily block the radiator elements.

the coolant is running down the water pump but it is clearly comming from the rubber seal around the plug. (i don't know what that plug is for and i am guessing on the drain/freeze idea). it has a 17mm head on the nut. it kind of looks like a large oil drain plug. i cannot turn it at all, it seams to be rusted.

Are you talking about the bleed plug? I don't think that has a rubber seal at all .. are you sure you have the original plug there ...

If I were you i would look into replacing that seal ...
Ehab

t2933rm · 08-20-2001, 10:08 AM

tom,

i will be getting it fixed when i get back from a trip. i am 400 mile from my mechanic in northern michigan. not too many p-car places up here.

t2933rm · 08-20-2001, 10:11 AM

Ehab,
i cannot brake the nut loose. the "rubber" seal might be permatex or something like that.

does that mean it is a drain plug? i have never seen a picture of it or read anything about it. i have the shop manuals is there anything in them about this?

[This message has been edited by t2933rm (edited 08-20-2001).]

Ehab · 08-20-2001, 02:01 PM

When you say 'above the water pump', I assumed you are talking about the upper side of the block, right after the coolant intake hose from the radiator ... if that is what we're talking about, then it is just the bleed plug for getting air out of the system ... but that is a 13mm bolt, not 17, so I'm still confusted as to what you are referring to ...

Worst case scenario ... your water pump is leaking and needs to be replaced ... big job .. and lots of $$$$$$$ ....

Good luck and keep us posted ...
E

jseel · 08-20-2001, 03:30 PM

bg products makes a radiator treatment that doesnt contain any large chunks. my friend used to demonstrate it by punching hole in a can with a nail, filling with water and adding the bg when it is half empty. it really works for a temp. fix if you can get it, and is supposed to be ok in porsches.

t2933rm · 08-27-2001, 05:06 AM

i am back. i did add alumaseal, took a chance! it slowed the leak to get me home.
i wonder what it will cost to get this plug fixed. now that i have that in the system. and if it is the water pump, will the alumaseal make a difference?