[Hill203]

I'm not too clear on this bars leak stuff. In the tech threads it says to add 6 tablets or 2 bottles of powder gold seal, but all of the threads on here say what a horrible product bars leak is. Is that just the liquid everyone doesn't like? Can some one clear this up for me?

 

[RVMAN]

GM has changed their tune on the tablets, they are no longer recommended.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-deville-1985-2005-including-1985/278978-coolant-tabs.html

 

[brougham]

It has a bad rep because if too much is used it can clog stuff up. Follow the directions and you'll be fine.
If you're going to use anything get the proper tabs from the dealer or Delco distributor. It's not hard to get.

 

[basscatt]

I'm not too clear on this bars leak stuff. In the tech threads it says to add 6 tablets or 2 bottles of powder gold seal, but all of the threads on here say what a horrible product bars leak is. Is that just the liquid everyone doesn't like? Can some one clear this up for me?

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Can some one clear this up for me?
sure - do NOT use ANY stop-leak products in your cooling system -

 

[TexFinn]

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Can some one clear this up for me?
sure - do use ANY stop-leak products in your cooling system -

Me thinks you might be missing a word there...

 

[basscatt]

Me thinks you might be missing a word there...

opps - good catch -

do NOT use ANY stop-leak products in your cooling system

 

[Ranger]

I'm in the DO NOT use camp. Even GM wised up.

 

[ttocsmij]

My Dad had one piece of advice in this area: do NOT use ANY stop-leak products in ANY automotive system unless you were planning to have that system totally replaced in a very short time. I've followed that advice for nearly 50 years without any problems whatsoever. Frankly, if the radiator leaks, replace it and the hoses (or you are very lucky and have one of the few remaining radiator repair shops left in the country, you could ask them about that [the Feds and their regs put all of ours out of business years ago]).

 

[maeng9981]

Unless you're on a battle with a pinhole leak somewhere that cannot be easily reached, don't use it. Even if you do, at least regularly check your purge line and hollow bolts to make sure it did not block that. Do not overuse it (more doesn't mean better), and do not put it in the surge tank as it'll just sit at the bottom of it.

I said pinhole leaks; it will not work on HGs, radiator leaks, crossover gasket leaks, basically any kind of large leaks.

 

[Submariner409]

I'm not too clear on this bars leak stuff. In the tech threads it says to add 6 tablets or 2 bottles of powder gold seal, but all of the threads on here say what a horrible product bars leak is. Is that just the liquid everyone doesn't like? Can some one clear this up for me?

Bar's Leaks products are not "horrible". In some cases and situations they may buy you some time before major repairs can be accomplished.

The tablets or powder (HDC or G12BP) were used by GM on assembly lines to prevent early nuisance weeps. The entire idea was scrapped in the early 2000s - 2004, maybe.

If your cooling system has no weeps now, there's no sense in using the stuff. If the system has obvious leaks, the ONLY proper way to repair - and opposed to Band Aid - the problem is to........... repair it.

GM has issued specific TSBs on this, and goes on to state that continued use of the product when unwarranted can lead to coolant passage clogging, sludge formation in the surge tank and coolant discoloration.

As a matter of record, I do not recommend ANY sort of magic goop, EVER, for a cooling system - - keep it clean and repair it properly. That's called preventive maintenance; Magic potions are not .............