Re: [DML] Bar's Leak or No Bar's Leak?

[Rod Dillman <rhdillman@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jake you reminded me about a head gasket experience I had with our 1989 DeVille. When the head gasket failed at 130,000 miles the Cadillac service manager said it likely would not have happened had I used the tablets specified at coolant changes. After the repair ($1,500), I always took care to add them. The tablets were solid and needed to be broken apart before adding them to the radiator. They were made from pecan shells. The car had 230,000 miles on it when I sold it and there was never another head gasket issue.  Rod 10921

--- On Thu, 2/26/09, Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [DML] Bar's Leak or No Bar's Leak?
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 12:41 PM








Not always...  I agree with Tom and everyone that I would (and do) skip it in the DeLorean system.  My main scare is the heater core as well, since I would be less-than-enthused having to replace it.

But some of you might be surprised to find that some auto manufacturers actually suggest stop leak in their factory service manuals.  My Northstar Cadillac requires stop leak tabs any time the coolant is changed.  There is even a GM part number for it!  It is supposed to ward off head gasket leaks and minor hose leaks.

196,000 miles and counting on the original engine, transmission, and heater core, and I only recently changed the radiator due to a cracked plastic side tank.  So it must not be too bad...  :-)

Jake Kamphoefner
1063

 

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Tom Tait <TTait@BRCWEB. com>
To: dmcnews@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 10:34:22 AM
Subject: RE: [DML] Bar's Leak or No Bar's Leak?

My friends that run an honest radiator shop say no way. Stop leak is a tool you can use when you want to dump a dying car on a sucker within a few weeks. It will seal pinholes, but only for a short period after it is installed, then it evenly gums up the entire system, primarily the radiator and heater core.

Using a flush can cut some of that crud back out, but you should have never needed the flush in the first place. If you maintain your fluids, and modern radiator fluids last for years, then there will be little or nothing to flush.

If your radiator develops a pin leak, then odds are there are a hundred more pin leaks about to develop. Time to replace it. If it sustains damage, then it may be worth repairing. If a clamp starts to leak, address it. If the pipe or fitting is cleaned and prepped before the hose went on, if the hose and clamp are in good condition, and if the person doing the assembly knows what they are doing, its unlikely to leak. When was the last time you found a leak in a new car? They have cooling systems that were assembled from scratch just miles before.

IMHO, stop leak is a tool for sloppy mechanics, used car salesmen, and the cash strapped single mother looking for a too-good-to- be-true solution.

-----Original Message-----
From: dmcnews@yahoogroups .com on behalf of Rod Dillman
Sent: Wed 2/25/2009 4:01 PM
To: dmcnews@yahoogroups .com
Subject: [DML] Bar's Leak or No Bar's Leak?

I had my DeLorean's antifreeze flushed and changed recently at a garage that has kept my family cars going for over 30 years. I was advised that they always add a can of Bar's Leak after any radiator flush. I advised them not to put in a can, although I have never had reason to doubt their judgement and competence over the years. I have always been pleased with their repairs and service. They said the Bar's Leak will do no harm and will plug any pin hole leak or loose clamp leak that may develop. Should I add a can for this "insurance" or leave well enough alone and not add it. Thanks,  Rod 10921


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