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.

[NoNeck]

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?

LeddZepp, you are absolutely right... I have never tried it.

After developing a coolant leak years ago I put my car on ramps in my driveway and started searching for the source. My neighbor came over to offer some of his knowledge about fixing leaks. "Just run down and pick up some Barr's Leak. That'll fix it."

Well, before I could get down to the auto parts store the leak became worse. Probably from me poking around under there. So, I went ahead and took it to a friend of mine's repair shop. I left it with him, and expected the worst (radiator?, cracked block?, head gasket?). The next morning he called to tell me the water pump was leaking. He replaced it, and when I went to pick up the car and got the bill I mentioned that I should have just used Barr's Leak.

He shook his head and took me to the back lot and showed me an engine that the owner had used Barr's Leak. The intake was removed so I could see all the crud filling the coolant passages. It looked similar to a clogged drain... except it was hard and crusty. He said the thermostat housing and water pump looked similar. Now he was an ASE Certified mechanic that cringed at the thought of using such products.

But, again...just my opinion. Well, the mechanic's too.

[leddzepp]

Ask 5 people the same question and you will get 5 different answers, same with mechanics I've had an ase mechanic tell me it causes no harm and uses it himself. I've never had any clogging problems or overheating using it. I know there are a million additives out there and I have no opinion on them as I have never used them and have no experience with them. I've only used bars leaks and will continue to do so.

[Grumpy old man]

I used Bars leaks on a '95 z-71 to seal a small leak from a bad freeze out plug behind the left motor mount and it lasted for 4 years . many times these themostat housings can become warped from over tightening the bolts , remove the housing and on a flat surface use a sheet of 120 grit sand paper and sand the housing flange smooth then use "old school" Permatex sealer a new gasket and you'll have no more leaks DON"T get it on your hands it's lasts for weeks

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...sealant-detail

[DipStick82]

First off, thanks everyone for you input! Re: my original post, I think I may have two problems/leaks. One in the bottom drivers side of the radiator itself (pooling of fluid in the pan bellow the radiator on a consistent basis) in which I'm loosing a noticeable amount of fluid (usually as the engine is cooling down and the truck is off). The second, is near the thermostat housing. (Also presents itself when the engine is cooling and off)

Question: is it possible that the gasket below the thermostat is leaking where the red sealant is present? I'm trying to post the original photo but having some difficulty. For now reference the original post in this thread to see where I'm talking about.

Thanks!
kElley