Stop leak products
Moderator: volvite
Stop leak products
Anybody use thes types of products? Like the Bars Leak, or AC Delco Stop Leak tabs or the powder types? I have a small leak on one of the coolant lines to the back heater core and I was thinking about trying one of the products. Opinions?
Personally, I would prefer to fix the leaks. As far as stop leaks, most of them work for small leaks but big leaks can be a differant story. Most of them usually provide a temporary fix and how long that will last is anybody's guess. Radiator shops used to hate them because they stick to everything in the cooling system and would make repairing radiators (something that is not done much today as it used to be) a messy job. The "silver solder" or silver powder type stop leak is not too bad. As far as the "rabbit pellets in a jar looking" Barrs Leak, it will turn your coolant brown and make it look like there's oil in it.
On any imports, my opinion is its better to fix the leak.
However, I've driven a couple GM products (a 90 Lumina with 3.1 and a 2000 Grand Prix with 3800 Series II) and both benefited from the use of the Stop Leak Tabs you can buy directly from the dealer for $5. They are composed of walnut shells, ginger root, and some other weird stuff. Sounds weird, but I've heard they use these at the factory when their casting porosity gets to be an issue.
Have also had some good luck with Lucas Power Steering stop leak on the Grand Prix. Stopped leaking and solved the PS Pump noise issue I was having.
Another great reason to buy a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota. If you told one of their engineers to start doing this in their factory, they'd probably choke.
However, I've driven a couple GM products (a 90 Lumina with 3.1 and a 2000 Grand Prix with 3800 Series II) and both benefited from the use of the Stop Leak Tabs you can buy directly from the dealer for $5. They are composed of walnut shells, ginger root, and some other weird stuff. Sounds weird, but I've heard they use these at the factory when their casting porosity gets to be an issue.
Have also had some good luck with Lucas Power Steering stop leak on the Grand Prix. Stopped leaking and solved the PS Pump noise issue I was having.
Another great reason to buy a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota. If you told one of their engineers to start doing this in their factory, they'd probably choke.
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