Sodium Silicate

JKinKY · Jul 6, 2011

Has anyone used sodium silicate to stop engine coolant leaks? Does it work? What are the plusses and minuses of it. I had never heard of it until very recently.
Thanks very much for any suggestions and advice.

bjb in TX from Ne · Jul 6, 2011

I don't think I would use it (unless that is the main ingredient in those stop leak products). Sodium silicate is essentially liquid sand. That is the same stuff they replaced the oil with in the engine of the "Cash for Clunkers" program to destroy the engine. I would expect it to destroy a water pump given enough time at some concentration.

bjb in TX from Ne · Jul 6, 2011

Maybe it does work:

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_silicate">Sodium Silicate</a>

Guess it depends on where the leak is located.

hunit · Jul 6, 2011

if it a small leak use black pepper worked in my pick up for a few years just have to add it every so often

Anonymous-0 · Jul 7, 2011

I used Sodium Silicate in my MM model R.Had a leak between the blocks and thats been 4 or 5 years now and still no leak.Bought mine at drug store.Drain out all coolant & use radiator flush,drain,flush good with water.I mixed a quart in 5 gallon bucket with the right amount for the system,use a stick mix good pour in & start engine & run till engine is up to temp,at least 1/2 hour.You may have to cover radiator to accomplish this because you have to remove the thermostat.Shut engine off & completely drain system.Leave set for a day or so to let it dry good,leave cap off.It will not harm the water pump.Also I haven"t noticed it running any warmer than it ever did.I swear by the stuff.Good luck

Anonymous-0 · Jul 7, 2011

Agreed on the black pepper. Works great. Also won't clog your radiator like a lot of other product's do. Have used as a temporary fix for year's, and has worked as a permanent fix in some cases. If you get your oil changed at the garage however, they will want to change your anti freeze as it will give it a brown color.

LAA · Jul 7, 2011

Its sold under different brand names, ""liquid glass"", it works to stop radiator and manifold leaks, it gets into any crack and cures. Was always told you would have trouble getting the heads off an engine if liquid glass was used but never tore one down after.

Spotted Horse · Jul 7, 2011

40-50 years ago, I think they called it "water glass."

Sodium Silicate

JKinKY

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