1956 Coupe DeVille Radiator Leak

[limikep]

I have a small leak on the lower left bottom of my radiator.  I know the correct way to fix this is to have it repaired or replaced.  But my car has factor A/C and in order to remove the radiator, I need to open the A/C lines to remove some A/C components to get to the radiator bolts.  The A/C system is working great and don't want to lose the R12.  Can anyone recommend a sealer that might work and not cause damage to the cooling system.  Thank You all in advance.  Mike.

[J. Gomez]

I have a small leak on the lower left bottom of my radiator.  I know the correct way to fix this is to have it repaired or replaced.  But my car has factor A/C and in order to remove the radiator, I need to open the A/C lines to remove some A/C components to get to the radiator bolts.  The A/C system is working great and don't want to lose the R12.  Can anyone recommend a sealer that might work and not cause damage to the cooling system.  Thank You all in advance.  Mike.

Mike,

You could try removing the front mounting bolts from the condenser and receiver, the rubber gasket were both pipes goes through at the radiator support frame and the separator clip just before the inspection eye-glass.

That should give you a bit of clearance to get a wrench to access the 4 radiator mounting bolts, it would be an extremely tight area so just be ready for scratches on your fingers, knuckles, hands.   

Folks have reversed the mounting bolts for the radiator from the outside to the inside of the bracket especially on A/C cars. I have cage nuts place at the radiator mounting flange that allows me to bolt it from the inside the engine compartment.

Good luck..!

[limikep]

Thank you for your response.  I finally took a close look at what you suggested.  It appears my A/C components will not move enough for me to get the six bolts off.  You mentioned four bolts so maybe some cars are different.  Is it safe to say that it is best not to use a sealer to solve my problem.  I heard they can cause problems?  Are there any sealers that are safe?  Thank you again for all your help.  Mike

[TJ Hopland]

These appear to be what GM was relabeling as the official regular maintenance tablets for the 4100,4.5,4.9 engines in the 80's and early 90's.   I have used them when I have had situations like you describe with some success.   I chose these because I hoped they would have less chance of clogging other parts of the system.

https://barsleaks.com/product/radiator-stop-leak-tablets/
   

[limikep]

Thank you again.  I use the genuine GM tabs on my 1984 Eldorado on a regular basic when I flush the radiator.  I did not even think about using this on the 1956 as I still have about 8 GM packs.  Been using this on the 1984 for the last 34 years and not had an issue.  It's worth a try. 

[D.Yaros]

These appear to be what GM was relabeling as the official regular maintenance tablets for the 4100,4.5,4.9 engines in the 80's and early 90's.   I have used them when I have had situations like you describe with some success.   I chose these because I hoped they would have less chance of clogging other parts of the system.

https://barsleaks.com/product/radiator-stop-leak-tablets/

As a former Allante owner with one of the aforementioned engines, I can state that the 'Official GM" tablets and Barsleak product are one and the same.

I would also point out the recommended way to use the tablets was to crush them into a powder form before putting them into the cooling system.