[zkmann]

I was directed to you by Kev, that you might know the part number for the GM pellets that are added to the Northstar engine coolant. Also, what type of coolant is used in the Northstar engines?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Kev]

Hi zkmann,
The part number was related to the BarsLeak product, you mentioned in the other thread that you are already familiar with that. The GM coolant supliment pellets can be obtained at any GM dealer, I've heard the Chevy dealers sell it cheaper than the Cad dealers. We have a Chevy dealer in my small town, no Cad so I got mine there. Just ask for them at the parts counter, they will know what they are and should only be a few bucks for a package of 6.

 

[mcowden]

I was directed to you by Kev, that you might know the part number for the GM pellets that are added to the Northstar engine coolant. Also, what type of coolant is used in the Northstar engines?

Thanks for your help.

The Bar's Leaks Golden Seal powder and Bar's Leaks large pellets are the exact same thing as the GM pellets. You can probably find the Bar's stuff at Wallymart or any auto parts store.

Coolant for any 96 or newer Northstar is DexCool (orange stuff). Anything prior to 96 used the regular silicated coolants (green stuff). You can mix the coolants, but if it's EVER had green stuff in it, the coolant MUST be changed at 2 years or 30k miles. The new "Universal" stuff says it will last 5 years or 150k miles as long as you follow their recommended system flush procedure. Since flushing is not very easy to do on the Northstar, I wouldn't recommend that. If your car uses the green stuff, you can not reap the benefits of the longer life DexCool. Once the silicates have plated the cooling system innards, there's no going back. Make sure you use distilled water. Don't put any tap water in the system at all. Just drain what's in there and refill with fresh stuff and the powder or pellets. Simple as that. If you have any questions, let us know and someone will chime in with answers for you.

Let us know what you wind up doing and how it turns out. Welcome and good luck!

 

[Ranger]

Don't know the GM part number but the Barsleaks product is HCD (tabs) or G12BP (Powdered tabs). Don't use anything else. You can find them at http://www.barsleaks.com. Walmart, Napa, and such should carry them.

 

[MWA]

Ranger, I believe that PN is 3634621- GM Cooling System Seal Tabs and contents listed on the package include: ginger, almond shell, turmeric and sal soda.

 

[mcowden]

Ranger, I believe that PN is 3634621- GM Cooling System Seal Tabs and contents listed on the package include: ginger, almond shell, turmeric and sal soda.

With those ingredients, it sounds like they would taste pretty good! Anybody willing to try for us? Added bonus: No more leaks! :vomit:

Thanks for the good info, MWA... :thumbsup:

 

[davesdeville]

...I kind of hate to admit it but when I read those ingredients when I was changing my coolant a couple months ago I licked my finger and tasted a bit. Tastes like dirt.

 

[peteski]

Sal soda? Sounds like a beverage created by the administrator of Cadillacforums!

 

[ELDORACER]

i just bought the tablets the part number is 1#12378254

 

[Eldyfig]

With those ingredients, it sounds like they would taste pretty good! Anybody willing to try for us? Added bonus: No more leaks!

I was wondering what I could use for that annoying tube snake leak.:elvis1:
Or the one at the other end...:farting:

 

[jamesmdx1]

when should you add the powder or pellets? As you are refilling the coolant or right after the refill?...
Can you dissolve the powder in the new coolant and then add it?
thanks

 

[mcowden]

when should you add the powder or pellets? As you are refilling the coolant or right after the refill?...
Can you dissolve the powder in the new coolant and then add it?
thanks

There are multiple answers for this question. The recommended way to do it is to put the pellets or the powder in the lower radiator hose. That would, of course, assume that the system is drained. I don't see a problem with putting them in the upper hose, but others may disagree with me. I think that's easier. It's also possible you could mix it thoroughly with the first gallon of fresh coolant you dump into the system and make sure you get it all in there and it doesn't sit in the surge tank. Whatever you do, don't put the powder or the pellets in the surge tank. They won't get into the system and will just sit at the bottom of the tank and could plug up the vapor vent line causing problems.

 

[jamesmdx1]

thanks

where are the engine block drain plugs located on the N*, and on the 4.5L
thanks

 

[Ranger]

Not sure about the 4.5, but I don't believe there are any block drains on the Northstar.

 

[zkmann]

After asking this original question about a month ago, I'd like to report back and update the forum. I was planning on doing a collant change back then and after reading all the info about minor leaks turning into bigger headaches I decided to add the gold bars leak powder as a feel good precaution against a possible future problem. With the advise of mcowden, after draining the system I added the powder and the first gallon coolant/mix to the upper hose and it was neat and easy. Topped off the system and was ready to roll in no time.
Thanks to all that have responded in the past.