Coolant sealing additives off topic
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: tucson
Coolant sealing additives off topic
I've asked this question on the Ranger forum and thought I would ask here looking for more input. Anyone have any experience using a leak stop additive?
I have a ranger that has developed a coolant leak and I am thinking of trying one of the additives. The leak maybe a head gasket leak or intake manifold leak (I can't see it because it's against the firewall). The engine runs great but I can't justify the effort and expense to do a tear down/rebuild on the engine. The problem is why I like my '66 so much.
Thanks.
john
I have a ranger that has developed a coolant leak and I am thinking of trying one of the additives. The leak maybe a head gasket leak or intake manifold leak (I can't see it because it's against the firewall). The engine runs great but I can't justify the effort and expense to do a tear down/rebuild on the engine. The problem is why I like my '66 so much.
Thanks.
john
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 481
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From: Deep River, CT.
This is not a band aid product. It is called Bars Leaks. I'll speak of Original Bars Leaks only for that is all I ever used. Today they have it for aluminum rads, cracked blocks, and what ever special needs. If you research it's history you'll find it was used at the factory new by many mfg's to prevent minor leaks and seepage's from new cars, so that dealers wouldn't be inundated with minor comebacks for those reasons.
It also keeps you water pumps and internal coolant surfaces clean and looking like new. It's beneficial to water pump seals.
When I maintained a private fleet of cars, trucks and forklifts. I added to the cooling systems every 2-3 years as a preventative maintenance item. Biggest thing was no leaking heater cores.
How many times on this slicks forum do we hear from those needing a heater core to the tune of $400.00 if you can find one or have to have a custom one made. Think about it, for a few dollars to prevent the need to replace.
It also keeps you water pumps and internal coolant surfaces clean and looking like new. It's beneficial to water pump seals.
When I maintained a private fleet of cars, trucks and forklifts. I added to the cooling systems every 2-3 years as a preventative maintenance item. Biggest thing was no leaking heater cores.
How many times on this slicks forum do we hear from those needing a heater core to the tune of $400.00 if you can find one or have to have a custom one made. Think about it, for a few dollars to prevent the need to replace.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: tucson
The engine is a '96 4.0. The leak is at the rear of the engine, close to the firewall, in a spot that is about impossible to see. I have used both an inspection mirror and scope. If I run the engine for a couple of minutes, coolant will start to drip out but it is hard to tell if it is the block to head joint or a little higher up near the intake manifold. I too have always been leery of using a coolant additive, but since the engine has 230,000 miles and and everything made of plastic is starting to go, I can't see putting a lot of money into.
john
john
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
I would try and inspect to determine the source; curious if the engine mount bolts were loosened could the engine be lifted enough to get a better look. Not familiar with the 96 4.0, if the leak can be traced to a faulty freeze plug then not sure how temporary the fix would hold? If there's a removable transmission tunnel perhaps U will be able to get a better look??
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