Anyone ever use Bar's HD Stop Leak?

[trukman1]

Actually its called Bar's Leaks Radiator Heavy Duty Stop Leak.

I found a small leak in the radiator.

Not sure I want to pull it right now. Any negative side effects using Barr's?

I'm not so worried about the radiator, as it may be replaced later, but I do wonder if it will cause any problems inside the engine (i.e. clogging water jacket/ports) over time.

Any information, as always, is greatly appreciated.

[truckster]

I wouldn't do it. It's going to end up in your heater core and everywhere in the engine.

[lousyflyer]

Maybe in an emergency just to get you home, but the leak will return quickly and then you've got contaminants in your cooling system.

I would advise against it.

[tlcrz1972]

Use it, all the big manufacturers use it, it doesn't clog up anything but the holes.

It's a little preventive that can fix problems before they become problems.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by tlcrz1972

Use it, all the big manufacturers use it, it doesn't clog up anything but the holes.

It's a little preventive that can fix problems before they become problems.

X2. I remember using it growin up, it does work.

[68gmsee]

I've used it on emergencies but it's definitely not a permanent fix. Probably won't clog jackets inside the engine but it will leave deposits inside and in the radiator.

If it's not an emergency, I would take it off and have a radiator shop look at it. I've had several radiators soldered in the past. Fairly inexpensive work. Last one was a 2 core and charge was $40 for solder, pressure testing and cleaning.

If you do use the bars leak and replace the radiator later, flush the engine out real good.

[Ol Blue K20]

The manufacturers use it on new vehicles and I put it in as preventive measure on all of mine. I have never had a problem with anything clogging

[flashed]

I have used it before and would again ,no problems at all .

[mjjjracing]

X2, Used it growing up and never had a problem, I probably wouldn't put it in a high dollar high performance motor / radiator ,but for everyday driver yes

[Willy Prost]

I had an experience with a leaking radiator with my Colony Park Wagon one third of the way through a 6500 mile roadtrip from Arlington, VA to New Mexico and back.

I did three things to maintain enough coolant to function the way home.

1. went to the first old looking auto parts store and bought the lowest pressure Radiator cap they had and put that on the car.
2. went to the supermarket and bought a package of ground black pepper (2 or 3 oz.). Poured half of the bottle into the radiator while car was running.
3. Checked coolant level daily at start of day until i returned to Arlington.

The ground pepper would get stuck trying to escape through the pinhole leaks. doesn't stick to the coolant passageways. Flushes out fairly easily when you finally fix theat leak.

[imjeff]

Any of the modern stop leaks work well and if brand new cars get it, I'm sure you'll be ok.

[BLT gmc]

I have been told the major manufacturers use it preventive leaks in cast iron pin holes, slight casting imperfections, hose/fitting problems. Follow the Bar's Leak instructions. Should be no problem, just avoid the temptation to do the "5 can dump" in the cooling system. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. With that said, a reputable repair with solder or possibly a re-core is the long term solution. Bruce

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I have used it for years & never had any problems. It works good. I would not use the HD if its just a small leak on a regular sized system. No use putting in more then necessary.

[trukman1]

Okay, I decided to pull the radiator and have it repaired the right way and just keep the stop leak for any road emergency that may come up.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think it would be fine to use but I have the time and resources to have it "boiled and brazed" so I'd better do that.

[POPO1984]

I havent used the Bar's but gm has one you can get at the dealer. worked great for me.

[elf w/capital T]

Used it three months in my c10 I was fixing up to sell...but ended up as a gas sipper DD, not ever had any issue...but on high HP or tq motor....mehhh be careful, im aware manufacturers use it, but...who knows...ya know?? Good luck and hopefully you can fix the leak!!

[Steeveedee]

As has been mentioned, black pepper is a good short-time solution, This will get you to the radiator shop, is all. You found the proper solution all by yourself. In the past, I have used and recommended "AlumaSeal" as a temporary sealer.

[19GM71]

Originally Posted by POPO1984

I havent used the Bar's but gm has one you can get at the dealer. worked great for me.

Yes,yes ,yes! GM dealer sells them, they are called seal tabs. I have yet to see them not work.

[71K20chevy]

It's been in mine for about a year and no problems. They seem to have fixed it so it doesn't clump up lol