New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue

[69C-10SWB]

I have a 01 Tahoe w/5.3 with 142,000 mi. Got it 7 months ago. Runs good, no overheating. First full-size SUV for me and love it so far.
A few months ago it started loosing coolant, no visible leaks, low in overflow tank. Recently started to have to add coolant more frequently. I drained radiator and overflow, refilled with prestone (mixes with all colors makes etc.) and distilled water. Old coolant was orange(dex-cool I guess) and not at all dirty. I added a bottle of Bars Leak radiator heavy duty stop leak. Seems to have worked, haven't had to add any coolant, still runs below 210 on temp gauge. Anyone with a similar experience? Any thoughts on Bars Leak?

[Mr-Jack]

I dont like the snake treatment stuff, how's your exhaust smoke look?

Jack

[69C-10SWB]

On cool damp mornings some steam from exhaust tip. Other than that nothing.

[stepside67]

I have a 2001 Suburban with 213,000 miles with same symptoms and it turned out to be a cracked head. small hairline crack on top side of head around head bolt. This is fairly common... you can google 'Castec heads'. You will need to run a pressure test to confirm this. Other common places that leaks occur on this model include: radiator tanks, quick connect fittings to heater, water pump gasket. On mine I ended up spending the money to fix cracked head and truck is doing fine. Good luck on yours.

Keith

[zeldman]

Bars Leak really stops water from running through small openings. Especially the small openings like the tubes in your radiator.

Seriously, it will stop up your radiator and the radiator repair shop will laugh at you for using it.

[Tropical Snowstorm]

Most likely Castech head cracks. The early 5.3s were bad about that. Pull the oil cap when it's warmed up and check for condensation.

[imjeff]

Bar's Leaks has been around for about 65 years and is used in some cars from the factory. It's made to plug tiny holes and cracks, not coolant passages. Most of the horror stories are the typical "my buddy had a friend that" type story. I doubt manufacturers would be using it and that they would still be in business if the stories were true.

Jeff

[68C15]

closely inspect the crappy excuse for gasket between water pump and block. I've got that repair down to 30 minutes now. After a bunch more miles I see the air bleed tubes leak at rear of heads. Once again, aluminum gaskets.