Let's play a game.....
11-19-2004, 04:08 AM
#1
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Let's play a game.....
OK. Let's say you're sitting in the paddock just after your final qualifying. You drove well, on the pole, chatting with competitors, blah, blah, blah...Suddenly you notice that smell. The sweet smell of antifreeze (yes, yes, I know most race cars run straight distilled water, just play along, OK?!?!). Seems on the last lap, a stone nicked your radiator and you have a pin hole leak. Enough to where you're pretty damn sure you won't finish the race. You don't have a spare. What do you do/use to fix it so you can race?
Disclaimer: this may/may not have anything to do with the fact that in less than 24 hours I'm supposed to be at the state autocross championship and my car is currently sitting in the garage with a pin hole leak in the radiator and I don't have a spare....
Goddamit I hate working on cars.
....Tonight, the role of Karl Shultz will be played by Matt Nicholson....
Disclaimer: this may/may not have anything to do with the fact that in less than 24 hours I'm supposed to be at the state autocross championship and my car is currently sitting in the garage with a pin hole leak in the radiator and I don't have a spare....
Goddamit I hate working on cars.
....Tonight, the role of Karl Shultz will be played by Matt Nicholson....
11-19-2004, 04:21 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
SE-R # 1 has a radiator leak
SE-R # 2 has no radiator leak.
Matt has hand tools and a little free time.
It may suck and be double or triple work, but you have the part you need right there.
SE-R # 2 has no radiator leak.
Matt has hand tools and a little free time.
It may suck and be double or triple work, but you have the part you need right there.
11-19-2004, 04:26 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (RacerBowie)
Yank it and get it to a radiator shop now! They can turn it around in 2 hours or less if you beg. You could have it back in, filled and bled in 4 hours, start to finish.
11-19-2004, 04:33 AM
#6
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Re: Let's play a game..... (RacerBowie)
I have thought of the JB weld.
I have thought about scavenging from the daily driver. Although I really don't want to be "that guy" that does that.
And if Larry wasn't in Europe and I wasn't the only one in the office, I could probably take some time to leave and have a shop fix it.
OK, this is totally off the wall, but I was watching Myth Busters the other night, and they tried to bust a myth that putting an egg (yes, as in what comes out of a hen and you eat sunny-side up) in your radiator will stop a leak. They did it and it worked like a champ. They were stunned. I was stunned.
I have thought about scavenging from the daily driver. Although I really don't want to be "that guy" that does that.
And if Larry wasn't in Europe and I wasn't the only one in the office, I could probably take some time to leave and have a shop fix it.
OK, this is totally off the wall, but I was watching Myth Busters the other night, and they tried to bust a myth that putting an egg (yes, as in what comes out of a hen and you eat sunny-side up) in your radiator will stop a leak. They did it and it worked like a champ. They were stunned. I was stunned.
11-19-2004, 04:35 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (krshultz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What Bowie said.</TD></TR></TABLE>
On a side note, this is why it is BAD, BAD NEWS to drive the same kind of car daily that you race. The daily always gets disassembled for the racecar.
I run into this all the time with the red car.
Wife: "Why is the red car on jackstands, again?"
Self: "Um, XXX is busted on the race car, so I needed it off the red car."
Wife: "And you didn't just order a new part because...?"
Self: "Sorry dear." (Knowing that when she gets her racing license in a year or two she will begin to understand.)
On a side note, this is why it is BAD, BAD NEWS to drive the same kind of car daily that you race. The daily always gets disassembled for the racecar.
I run into this all the time with the red car.
Wife: "Why is the red car on jackstands, again?"
Self: "Um, XXX is busted on the race car, so I needed it off the red car."
Wife: "And you didn't just order a new part because...?"
Self: "Sorry dear." (Knowing that when she gets her racing license in a year or two she will begin to understand.)
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11-19-2004, 04:36 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
have you tried the other, more conventional, types of radiator stop-leak products? That *may* get you through your autocross.
11-19-2004, 04:38 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
OK, this is totally off the wall, but I was watching Myth Busters the other night, and they tried to bust a myth that putting an egg (yes, as in what comes out of a hen and you eat sunny-side up) in your radiator will stop a leak. They did it and it worked like a champ. They were stunned. I was stunned.</TD></TR></TABLE>
How fast were they flowing water through said egg-clogged radiator? Were they risking being stuck in wonderful Greenville, SC with all their buddies really pissed at them because they covered an auto-x course in antifreeze, screwing up all their fun?
on edit
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Although I really don't want to be "that guy" that does that. </TD></TR></TABLE>
And you REALLY don't have to worry about this. I cornered the market on that when, for over a season, said poor red car ended up on jackstands before or during EVERY SINGLE race weekend. Several times, when I thought I had the curse busted, I had to run home and steal parts, or have my roommate scavenge and bring them to the track.
(Another entry into the "Don't try to race while in College" files.)
OK, this is totally off the wall, but I was watching Myth Busters the other night, and they tried to bust a myth that putting an egg (yes, as in what comes out of a hen and you eat sunny-side up) in your radiator will stop a leak. They did it and it worked like a champ. They were stunned. I was stunned.</TD></TR></TABLE>
How fast were they flowing water through said egg-clogged radiator? Were they risking being stuck in wonderful Greenville, SC with all their buddies really pissed at them because they covered an auto-x course in antifreeze, screwing up all their fun?
on edit
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Although I really don't want to be "that guy" that does that. </TD></TR></TABLE>
And you REALLY don't have to worry about this. I cornered the market on that when, for over a season, said poor red car ended up on jackstands before or during EVERY SINGLE race weekend. Several times, when I thought I had the curse busted, I had to run home and steal parts, or have my roommate scavenge and bring them to the track.
(Another entry into the "Don't try to race while in College" files.)
11-19-2004, 04:45 AM
#10
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Re: Let's play a game..... (RacerBowie)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">have you tried the other, more conventional, types of radiator stop-leak products? That *may* get you through your autocross.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thought of that too. I may go for this plan, and then yank the radiator later and have it done right. I would assume that stuff doesn't damage things like water pumps, otherwise they'd be up to their eyeballs in litigation by now.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How fast were they flowing water through said egg-clogged radiator? Were they risking being stuck in wonderful Greenville, SC with all their buddies really pissed at them because they covered an auto-x course in antifreeze, screwing up all their fun?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno. It was some sort of American V8 with the usual American sized radiator that they had running in their shop. They were doing 2 things at once: Can we bust any of the crazy automotive myths, and can we bust this engine?!?!
...BTW I highly recommend you don't EVER use household bleach in your crankcase....
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thought of that too. I may go for this plan, and then yank the radiator later and have it done right. I would assume that stuff doesn't damage things like water pumps, otherwise they'd be up to their eyeballs in litigation by now.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How fast were they flowing water through said egg-clogged radiator? Were they risking being stuck in wonderful Greenville, SC with all their buddies really pissed at them because they covered an auto-x course in antifreeze, screwing up all their fun?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno. It was some sort of American V8 with the usual American sized radiator that they had running in their shop. They were doing 2 things at once: Can we bust any of the crazy automotive myths, and can we bust this engine?!?!
...BTW I highly recommend you don't EVER use household bleach in your crankcase....
11-19-2004, 04:48 AM
#11
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Re: Let's play a game..... (RacerBowie)
hi matt.
do this and you will probably be ok.
get some Barrs Leak. don't put the whole thing in the rad; drain the system, flush with water. refill with water and put in about 1/3 of the barrs leak. pack several extra gallons of water for your trip. stop frequently and chekc the level. add if it is still leaking a little.
you will be fine.
i have done this before, and it really works!
i don't like to use all the barrs leak, as i am afraid with our small rad systems that too much might clog passages....
good luck
todd
do this and you will probably be ok.
get some Barrs Leak. don't put the whole thing in the rad; drain the system, flush with water. refill with water and put in about 1/3 of the barrs leak. pack several extra gallons of water for your trip. stop frequently and chekc the level. add if it is still leaking a little.
you will be fine.
i have done this before, and it really works!
i don't like to use all the barrs leak, as i am afraid with our small rad systems that too much might clog passages....
good luck
todd
11-19-2004, 04:55 AM
#12
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Re: Let's play a game..... (Todd Reid)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i don't like to use all the barrs leak, as i am afraid with our small rad systems that too much might clog passages....</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's exactly what I'm afraid of.
Why drain the system and flush? What does this do for you?
That's exactly what I'm afraid of.
Why drain the system and flush? What does this do for you?
11-19-2004, 05:03 AM
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is the leak in a spot that can't easily be soldered shut on the car?
first and foremost, flush out all the coolant and put in water/water wetter. That way if you do leak on the track, it won't screw it up for the others
first and foremost, flush out all the coolant and put in water/water wetter. That way if you do leak on the track, it won't screw it up for the others
11-19-2004, 05:04 AM
#14
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have thought about scavenging from the daily driver. Although I really don't want to be "that guy" that does that. </TD></TR></TABLE>
You do realize this was inevitable, right?
Do the rad swap. It will be painful and you are going to hate it, but it's the right thing to do, with no risk of blocked coolant passages and damaged waterpumps and whatnot.
You do realize this was inevitable, right?
Do the rad swap. It will be painful and you are going to hate it, but it's the right thing to do, with no risk of blocked coolant passages and damaged waterpumps and whatnot.
11-19-2004, 05:13 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (krshultz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You do realize this was inevitable, right?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sadly, yes....
Plan: Try Todd's idea. It's fairly quick, cheap and painless. I will know fairly quickly tonight if it works. I could even tow the damn thing so I won't have to worry about stopping every 15 minutes to check to see if it still has water in it. All it'll have to do is make 8 autocross runs. And it's not leaking That much. It's small. Had to use the shop light to see the slight bit of steam.
Sadly, yes....
Plan: Try Todd's idea. It's fairly quick, cheap and painless. I will know fairly quickly tonight if it works. I could even tow the damn thing so I won't have to worry about stopping every 15 minutes to check to see if it still has water in it. All it'll have to do is make 8 autocross runs. And it's not leaking That much. It's small. Had to use the shop light to see the slight bit of steam.
11-19-2004, 05:25 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Sadly, yes....
Plan: Try Todd's idea. It's fairly quick, cheap and painless. I will know fairly quickly tonight if it works. I could even tow the damn thing so I won't have to worry about stopping every 15 minutes to check to see if it still has water in it. All it'll have to do is make 8 autocross runs. And it's not leaking That much. It's small. Had to use the shop light to see the slight bit of steam.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
You'll be sorrrrrrryyyyyyy!
Probably not, but I really wanted to say that. Good luck!
Sadly, yes....
Plan: Try Todd's idea. It's fairly quick, cheap and painless. I will know fairly quickly tonight if it works. I could even tow the damn thing so I won't have to worry about stopping every 15 minutes to check to see if it still has water in it. All it'll have to do is make 8 autocross runs. And it's not leaking That much. It's small. Had to use the shop light to see the slight bit of steam.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
You'll be sorrrrrrryyyyyyy!
Probably not, but I really wanted to say that. Good luck!
11-19-2004, 06:34 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (RacerBowie)
Modified Plan: After phone conversations with Oscar (O-man, the Magnificent!) he highly recommended a product from Bar's that is in tablet form, not the typical powder stuff. I have it in hand and will try that tonight. If it doesn't work, I'm a parts scavaging fool.....
Matt
Matt
11-19-2004, 07:08 AM
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Re: (Sean O'Gorman)
if it really is a pinhole leak.........
just get some silicone gasket maker, drain the system, and plug it up. if you want you could find a small patch of rubber to stick to it. i don't think the radiator is under that much pressure, it shouldn't take much to stop/slow the leak significantly. honestly, if you towed it to the autox, i bet you'd be fine just topping it off before each run. how long are those things, 45sec? at this time of year i doubt that is long enough to drain out enough water for the car to overheat.
just get some silicone gasket maker, drain the system, and plug it up. if you want you could find a small patch of rubber to stick to it. i don't think the radiator is under that much pressure, it shouldn't take much to stop/slow the leak significantly. honestly, if you towed it to the autox, i bet you'd be fine just topping it off before each run. how long are those things, 45sec? at this time of year i doubt that is long enough to drain out enough water for the car to overheat.
11-19-2004, 07:09 AM
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Re: Let's play a game..... (MaddMatt)
Matt,
FWIW: had a small leak at the neck/hose interface prior to the 13 hour enduro - tried tightening hose clamp to no avail. Added about 1/3 - 1/2 bottle of Bars - ran the enduro, finished the enduro - no leak.
Cheers, Mark
FWIW: had a small leak at the neck/hose interface prior to the 13 hour enduro - tried tightening hose clamp to no avail. Added about 1/3 - 1/2 bottle of Bars - ran the enduro, finished the enduro - no leak.
Cheers, Mark
11-19-2004, 08:47 AM
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Re: (tnord)
Yeah, if you can drain to run just water, and the SE-R can re-fill the radiator from the reservoir, then the "tow & top-off plan" might be a good stop-gap measure for an autocross.. Just don't be taking the "open the radiator cap on a hot radiator" approach.. getting your face/hands burned by superheated water gushing out of a radiator isn't fun... I've seen it happen. (oddly enough the top of the radiator was cool to the touch, at the time it happened, which is why it was thought to be safe to remove the cap. Thought, "Radiator's not hot.. just crack open the cap to vent things and then open it up.." but *phwoosh* the gushing water knocked the cap the rest of the way off and into the air.. banged off the propped-open hood)
11-19-2004, 09:17 AM
#23
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Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thats what happens when you're a 2-beer queer</TD></TR></TABLE>
Not even, I don't think I could handle 2 Zimas.
Not even, I don't think I could handle 2 Zimas.
11-19-2004, 09:35 AM
#24
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Re: (Sean O'Gorman)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">FWIW: had a small leak at the neck/hose interface prior to the 13 hour enduro - tried tightening hose clamp to no avail. Added about 1/3 - 1/2 bottle of Bars - ran the enduro, finished the enduro - no leak.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks for the testimonial Mark.
I'll let you guys know how this Bar's tablet thingy works.
Matt<--yes, it will be repaired correctly this winter....
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks for the testimonial Mark.
I'll let you guys know how this Bar's tablet thingy works.
Matt<--yes, it will be repaired correctly this winter....
