Q&A for How to Fix a Main Gasket With Liquid Glass

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Will my car start after I put in liquid glass?

Community Answer

If the reason your car wouldn't start was a leaky gasket, this should help. Keep in mind it is a temporary fix which only lasts up to six months.

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Question

Can I put liquid glass in an engine?

Community Answer

No - it will kill your engine. Only use it in the cooling system.

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Question

How much liquid gas is needed?

Community Answer

Fill the radiator halfway with water -- use 1/2 cup if the vehicle runs hot while driving more than an hour. If vehicle runs hot quickly, use one cup. Remember to run the vehicle for about an hour afterwards -- if it doesn't get hot, you're good. If it runs hot after you use the sodium silicate, repeat the process. If the cylinder head is cracked, it may not work.

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Question

Will this still work if the cap is left on?

Community Answer

It should, but for safety's sake, take the cap off anyway. You are not going anywhere with this car while you are fixing it.

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Question

Where can I buy liquid glass?

Community Answer

Pottery supply stores should carry it. Use Google Maps to search for 'pottery supply' and you should be able to find something in your area. I would imagine you could order it online as well.

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Question

When I leave the cap off, my car heats up and starts blowing the water everywhere when it's at idle; it won't last more than a few minutes until it starts. Would it be better to leave the cap on?

Community Answer

At idle, the water level rises due to hydrogen air bubbles escaping from the leaky head gasket. You should have the cap ON, and let the chemical (liquid glass) do its work. Be sure not to top off the water to the full mark; just put it at the cool mark first when the engine is cold. When the engine warms up, the water level will rise.

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Question

How much does it cost?

Community Answer

Liquid Glass runs anywhere from $20-35, depending on where you purchase it.

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Question

Will this work if a gasket is blown into combustion chamber?

Community Answer

Yes, sodium silicate works on head gaskets. If the head is cracked, it may not work, but it's worth trying.

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Question

How much liquid glass is needed per quart?

Community Answer

Add a half cup to the radiator, then fill it to the top with water.

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Question

How much pure sodium silicate do I use to fix a main gasket?

Community Answer

My car was overheating immediately and I used a cup. It worked great and sealed the head gasket.

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Will liquid glass work when there is water in the oil?

Community Answer

Yes, it should work just fine.

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Question

What happens if the liquid glass is added to the new antifreeze?

Community Answer

Some say it is okay to add the liquid glass to the anti-freeze since most anti-freezes have silicates already in them. For the liquid glass to work better though, you should make sure there is absolutely no anti-freeze in the radiator. The anti-freeze and the liquid glass will bond to clog your radiator and heater core if mixed together.

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Question

Which hose do I pour fluid into if the radiator has no cap?

Community Answer

The upper radiator hose -- the one that is connected to the thermostat housing.

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Question

If water is mixing with the oil, will the sealant have any effect on any of the oil components, like the oil pump?

Community Answer

If you're finding water in your oil when you do an oil change, sodium silicate may damage your engine as it may seep into the block and seize it. Only try this for issues like a cracked head gasket where you're finding oil in your coolant, not the other way around.

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Question

Will liquid glass work if a car won't start? Should it be heated?

Community Answer

No, sodium silicate will only work when it's under heat and flowing through your cooling system. It works by seeping into leaks while the vehicle is running. It won't do anything just sitting in water not flowing or under pressure.

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Question

Is it important to make sure my heater is on high when fixing my main gasket with liquid glass?

Community Answer

You actually should bypass your heater core. This avoids the possibility of clogging up the passages in your heater core.

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