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This is supposed to be a temporary fix but I know someone who followed this five years ago and his car still doesn’t leak water.
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Steps
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Purchase Sodium Silicate (Liquid Glass) from a pharmacy. [1] X Research source Purchase new thermostat and associated thermostat gasket(s).
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Drain coolant system by disconnecting the large hose from the bottom of the radiator. Also disconnect the large hose from the top of the radiator. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Remove the thermostat and reconnect the hose without a thermostat. [3] X Research source
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Flush the coolant system thoroughly with hose water to remove trace amounts of antifreeze. Run water through the large hose which was disconnected from the top of the radiator and leads to the engine. Watch the water coming out of the large hose which was disconnected from the bottom of the radiator until it turns clear. Do the same to the radiator by running water through the top and watching it pour out the bottom. [4] X Research source
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Reconnect all the coolant system hoses and the old thermostat gasket without the thermostat.
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In a container, pour about a quart of water. Add the liquid glass and mix thoroughly. [5] X Research source
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Add the liquid glass/water mixture to the radiator. Top off the coolant system with hose water. Cap the radiator.
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Start the car and then remove the radiator cap. Wait until the water level drops in the radiator and top it off again with hose water.
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Run for 45 minutes. When liquid glass heats up it is activated. When it cools down by contacting air it will harden as when it seeps out of the leaky gasket.
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After 45 minutes, stop the engine. Wait about 15 minutes and drain the coolant system without burning yourself.
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Fill the radiator with 50:50 water:antifreeze. [8] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWill my car start after I put in liquid glass?Community AnswerIf 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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QuestionCan I put liquid glass in an engine?Community AnswerNo - it will kill your engine. Only use it in the cooling system.
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QuestionHow much liquid gas is needed?Community AnswerFill 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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References
- ↑ https://homesteady.com/12245107/how-to-plug-a-leak-with-sodium-silicate
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a78/1272246/
- ↑ https://www.howacarworks.com/cooling-systems/how-to-replace-a-car-thermostat
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxm3E5SkHrI
- ↑ https://homesteady.com/12245107/how-to-plug-a-leak-with-sodium-silicate
- ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/heating-cooling-system/how-to-replace-your-vehicles-thermostat/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NehZEoOZrn4
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-maintenance/how-to-change-coolant/
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "After reading this article I tried it on my 69 Mercury cougar 429 cobra jet. I had to do the process twice but it fixed it. It hasn't overheated since. This saved me a ton of money and time, thanks." ..." more
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"After reading this article I tried it on my 69 Mercury cougar 429 cobra jet. I had to do the process twice but it fixed it. It hasn't overheated since. This saved me a ton of money and time, thanks."
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"After reading, I am confident that sodium silicate will repair my 1986 4-Runner."
"The explanation was great and saved me a lot of money."
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