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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak

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Eddie in MI

04-05-2005 09:17:55




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I just changed the coolant hoses on one of my cars (1993 Chevy). I drained the radiator (but did not do a complete flush) and refilled with 50/50 (green stuff).

Anyway, the service manual refers to these stop leak pellets that supposedly you drop into the system. I have a bottle of Bar's Stop Leak. Now...

Should I add the Stop Leak as preventative maintenance or should I leave everything alone?

Keep in mind that I only drained about 1.5 gallons out of the car and refilled with new coolant mixture.

Anyone have any opinions on Bar's as preventative maintenance? Good? Bad?

TIA!
Eddie

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Bob

04-06-2005 07:55:30




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Have you been to an auto supply lately? Bars sells the large "horsepill" pellets, apparently similar to the GM pellets.



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flathead

04-06-2005 06:30:07




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
I"ve used it to stop pinhole leaks in an upper rad tank. It stopped the leak temporarily but stopped the flow of coolant through the radiator permanently. Next time I"m going to spring for a new radiator from the git go rather than having that crap gumming up my radiator and engine block.

flathead



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Big Jim

04-06-2005 03:30:10




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Lots of opinions here. I'll add a bit of information.
GM REQUIRES that the pellets be added to the Cadillac NorthStar aluminum V-8 any time the cooling system is serviced. Failure to do so can result is denying warranty claims for leaks or so says my factory shop manual.
I consider that a pretty good indication that it is indeed, a good preventive move.



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Easy

04-06-2005 22:24:43




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Big Jim, 04-06-2005 03:30:10  
I work for GM - building the Northstar engine. Even in our previous engines, we always put the sealant in the engine. Not just the aluminium engines. I do believe we put more in an alum. engine. (Double? ) BTW - we always referred to them as "Dog Turds". I will ask around to see who supplies us with the sealer. I worked for Chrysler many years ago, and we added them there too. Easy.



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Ludwig

04-06-2005 17:08:31




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Big Jim, 04-06-2005 03:30:10  
GM requires Bars Leaks or do they require some GM pellet gizmo that looks alot like Bars Leaks? Could be they"re the same, could be the aren"t. I guess if I had a $30k Caddy I wouldn"t try it to find out. Thats what other people are for.



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TomTX

04-05-2005 19:47:41




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
I have used as an emergency "patch", and have regretted even using Bars Leak then. If you have leaks, then take the radiator to a shop and have it fixed properly.



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JT

04-05-2005 17:45:49




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Bar's leak is just what it says it is. It is a stop leak product. We have used to make permanant repairs in radiators, and it work great for that. It is not a preventative maintenance product. for preventative maint, use a good water pump lube and anti-rust.



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Mark - IN.

04-05-2005 17:24:13




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Don't know how will work with antifreeze anymore. Now are like two different kinds, and they don't mix - will turn into gel if they are mixed. And don't ask me the difference between the two. In my old trucks and equipment, I run the green stuff because is what always had and always worked. The '02 Cummins has the pink stuff, and since it's under warranty, I let the Dodge guys deal with it. Never try mixing them, so I hear, so I don't.

In the old days, with the green antifreeze, in emergencies, BarsLeaks worked better than the silver groundup aluminum stuff, which clogged the passages immediately if dumped it in - bad news. Will it work with the new pink antifreeze? No clue.

Either way, is like "fix a flat". In emergencies, I guess, but when you go to break the tire down, are gonna hate yourself for doing it. If you can offord to fix it right, fix it right.

Mark

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thejdman01

04-05-2005 15:15:41




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
a thermostat is a restriction device correct????? was when i went to school. your trying to stop leaks which means prevent coolant flow through holes. hummm dont make much since to me since the thermostat is a restriction device and your trying to plug something. in a bind sure it will work. but definily not anything to use for the heck of it. a MUCH MUCH better product especially for what you are wanting to do but alos as a stop leak is iron tite. it coats metal not clogs. iron titie is a much better product.

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RB/CT

04-05-2005 13:39:05




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Works good on leaks, use the pellet type that you have mentioned. For preventative maintainance put in Anti Rust, and Water Pump Lubricant, by prestone or others, this will maintain the system.



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paul

04-05-2005 11:58:28




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Like the others, would use it for getting through a planting or harvest season if a problem develops, but certainly is a bandaid, not something you want in a good system.

--->Paul



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MAC,IL

04-05-2005 11:18:36




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
I have used it before and had no problems. But if you dont have any leaks, you dont need it. I dont think I would use it for P.M.



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Ludwig

04-05-2005 10:10:44




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
Its good if your mission is to have a stuck thermostat. I've done that trick on a truck and bought a car that had Bars leaks in it that then siezed the thermostat.

As preventative maintenance I'd think its a terrible idea. Keep clean coolant in it and you'll be better off.



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CNKS

04-05-2005 09:32:03




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to Eddie in MI, 04-05-2005 09:17:55  
No--changing anti-freeze regularly so that you have less corrosion is the way to go. Bar's is more to fix existing leaks as a patch, if you don't want to permanently fix the problem. I have used Bar's to stop leaks, it does work, but it is more of a desperation move. Your radiator core is going to have to be replaced before long anyway, probably due to leaks between the tank clamps and the core. About $100 -- consider that "routine maintenance".

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JPuleo

04-06-2005 08:16:52




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 Re: Opinions on Bar's Stop Leak in reply to CNKS, 04-05-2005 09:32:03  
Only in emergency. I have used it to fix leaking head gaskets on cars, leaking rads ect. Never has a problem. Then used in on my lexus...several times and needed a new radiator insted of just a water pump..



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