I have a 1999 neon sport and have recently been having problems with the engine cooling system. While climbing a hill the engine temperature spiked and I pulled over to check it out. When I opened the hood I noticed a mist coming through the radiator fan and corrosion on the back side. I re-filled the coolant and was able to continue my journey but the temp would climb almost to the point where i was going to shut it down, but It would quickly drop if I took my foot off the accellerator. I think that I need to replace the radiator, but I was wondering if there were any other components that could fail and cause this temp swing. I intend to have the thermostat replaced along with the radiator even though I do not believe that it has failed (possibly sticking?).
Another thing that that I was wondering about is the stop leak stuff sold in auto parts stores. I have heard that while these can stop a leak temporarily, they can damage other components in the cooling system. Is there any truth to this?

 

ABout the sealant. I have used it to stops leaky blocks that cracked. Thats because it was a last resort. No problems and its been about 8 months. If ur radiator is junk. Change it. Sometimes you can fix the radiaotor depending on where its leaking.

 

I know this sounds weird but crack an egg in the radiator as a temp fix...

 

I still intend to replace the radiator, was just wondering about the sealant because I need to get to work until i get the new one. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Okay here is the story on the coolant sealer stuff. It is used to seal cracks and leaks. So therefor it has a good chance of clogging up your coolant passage ways. In order to use most of the sealants you will need to drain, flush, and fill you coolant multiple times. Which in the end will cost you almost as much as a used radiator. Sometimes you can use JB weld depending on where its leaking at. But crack the egg in there to get you by. I would not recommend the sealants myself. I would never use it enless it was a last resort for the car to stay alive.
You should just fix it with a nice new radiator and be done. Should run you around $100.

 

Please enlighten me on this method.

 

Dont you watch myth busters?

 

same here, i missed that one i guess, go on, do tell.........

 

Eggs = Better than stop leak.

Stop Leak pluggs up radiators, water passages, etc..

Egg wont plug anything up except where the leak is .. Put the egg in the car when its COLD, drive around until the car is at operating temperature, then park the car. Where ever the leak is at, the egg will eventually try to come out at that spot. As soon as the raw egg hits cool air (remember its at over boiling temps) it will solidify, plugging the leak at the source.

Use 1 egg.

The best solution is just find where its leaking and repair it properly. The egg trick is a temp solution or a solution on a car you really dont care about.