Typical Ford Radiator Leak
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by Big Jim M
Guys I hate to let the air out of your tires but here it is! EVERY new engine that leaves detroit has a measured amount of stop leak in the cooling system! Just enough to make sure that nobody complains about small leaks... It has been thataway for many years.
Big JIm
Big JIm
The stop-leak products have their (limited) uses, I don't consider them snake oil, but as I indicated above, they are no substitute for identifying and repairing a leak. Regarding the matter at hand, dumping a jar of pellets in a cooling system with 110K on it in order to try and stop a leaky radiator is no way to approach the problem.
I haven't heard much about using stop-leak as a preventive measure, so I don't have any opinion on that.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: East Bay Area, CA
No, not as a preventive measure. Only once you know it's a leaky radiator (ie, you can SEE the leak) would I recommend it. And not on anything you care about. Like I said, it was an '81 Olds Customer.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: eastern Ma
I worked at a dealership long time ago, where I was told to put in Bar's leak, if I was doing a new car prep.
After bringing my truck back to Ford many times for the radiator leaking, I gave up and put in Bar's leak. Works good. I drain and fill the radiator every six months though. I haven't had any problems since 96. It's not expensive, $5.00 for a gallon of Prestone, Also, the heater will drive you out. It is doable, but the frequent drain, and fills are needed. After 4 or 5 trips to the dealer under warranty, you know they're just trying to wear you down. Also, don't put in the Bar's leak every time. I've only used it twice since new. I'll probably replace the Radiator this summer. I've had good luck with Modine in the past. Has anyone had problems with the brand?
After bringing my truck back to Ford many times for the radiator leaking, I gave up and put in Bar's leak. Works good. I drain and fill the radiator every six months though. I haven't had any problems since 96. It's not expensive, $5.00 for a gallon of Prestone, Also, the heater will drive you out. It is doable, but the frequent drain, and fills are needed. After 4 or 5 trips to the dealer under warranty, you know they're just trying to wear you down. Also, don't put in the Bar's leak every time. I've only used it twice since new. I'll probably replace the Radiator this summer. I've had good luck with Modine in the past. Has anyone had problems with the brand?
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