Coolant Leak

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by NoNeck

Sorry, but I would not use Barrs Leak. Additives (bottled fixes) are a multibillion dollar business in the USA. Rarely does one actually work yet there are a lot of folks that swear by them.

The placebo effect is what is in most of these snake oils and a lot of them can do damage. Can't tell you how many engines I've seen with semi-clogged coolant passages and compromised water pump impellers from these products. There are few additives or fixes in a bottle that are nothing more than naptha, alcohol, and pale oil. If it says "petroleum distillates" on the bottle, now you know. A radiator fix in a bottle is going to plug a lot of things and depending on the engine can cut off vital coolant to areas. Once you put this stuff in, it's a pain to get out.

Same with these radiator additives that are suppose to cut surface tension and make coolant more effective. Once in the engine I can assure you that electrolysis will start and things will suddenly start to corrode. They fix- sell the vehicle because it ain't comin' out cause it's in the metal and you've screwed it up. Got a coolant leak - take it to a shop and have it fixed right.

As far as sealants, I would use black silicone for paper thermostat gaskets. Better quality gaskets like the FelPro I mentioned wouldn't need a sealant because it features a ring of sealant embedded in the gasket.

I have attached a photo to help you see what goes on under that thermostat housing. I hope this helps.

Good luck,

POP

I've used bars leaks for years...it WORKS, plain and simple. If you've never used it how can you say whether or not it works? It's been around for decades for a reason Taking a radiator to a shop for repair is a band aid as well. If you want it fixed "right" replace the radiator.