I put Bars Stop Leak (the kind that's pellets(looks like it comes in a vitamin bottle)) in my coolant system last year around Octoberish. It took care of my radiator leak, but, what I want to know is when I drain my coolant out, should I add Bars back to it, or just put a 50/50 coolant and water mixture in there?
Bars Stop Leak
- Thread starter Rtstrider
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If all you do is drain the rad, then there will still be a decent amount of the stuff still in the cooling system. If you totally flush the system, then I'd reinstall the stop leak.
I just have a difficult time imagining putting that stuff in a radiator system. Not slamming anyone for doing it but it seems un-natural. 
I've had great success using it in the leak prone GMs. On my father's 98 Blazer, the heater core developed a fairly substantial leak and Bar's stopped it cold - that was roughly 3 years ago.
The key to using it properly in my experience is this: drain the cooling system and then add the sealer. Refill the radiator about half way, then idle/fast idle the engine with heater on full until the thermostat opens (only filling the rad half way will prevent boil over with the radiator cap off). This allows the sealer to penetrate every part of the system. I've found that if you simply add it to a full radiator, it sits on top and gets forced through the overflow and gums up the rad opening and rad cap - to the point where the rubber rad cap seal will stick to the surface of the rad opening.
The key to using it properly in my experience is this: drain the cooling system and then add the sealer. Refill the radiator about half way, then idle/fast idle the engine with heater on full until the thermostat opens (only filling the rad half way will prevent boil over with the radiator cap off). This allows the sealer to penetrate every part of the system. I've found that if you simply add it to a full radiator, it sits on top and gets forced through the overflow and gums up the rad opening and rad cap - to the point where the rubber rad cap seal will stick to the surface of the rad opening.
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
I've found that if you simply add it to a full radiator, it sits on top and gets forced through the overflow and gums up the rad opening and rad cap - to the point where the rubber rad cap seal will stick to the surface of the rad opening.
Makes sense.
I've found that if you simply add it to a full radiator, it sits on top and gets forced through the overflow and gums up the rad opening and rad cap - to the point where the rubber rad cap seal will stick to the surface of the rad opening.
Makes sense.
I have also seen the recommendation to add the Bar's Stop leak to the bottom radiator hose......where it will be drawn up into the motor.
This may be more or less convenient depending upon the motor.....and is not so easy when not doing a complete drain.
However....if the system is drained....and especially if installing new hoses....this would be the way to go.
This may be more or less convenient depending upon the motor.....and is not so easy when not doing a complete drain.
However....if the system is drained....and especially if installing new hoses....this would be the way to go.
A few manufactures call for it as a preventative measure. Namely GM and Suburu. The AC Delco coolant additive is some sort of ginger root extract. I got some from my local part store and it sealed a leak for me.
When I had my 2004 Subaru Impreza RS, the EJ25 engine required that I add some special Subaru Coolant Conditioner in to the cooling system anytime the coolant was drained. It stopped a weaping leak on the lower head gasket. That engine is known for coolant seeping past the head gasket.
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