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Topic: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11 (Read 976 times) previous topic - next topic

Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

I've had a coolant leak for a long time - on this last trip it either decided to show up, or another one developed. I don't see much of an increase.
When on a trip, I routinely add about a quart or slightly less a day. At this point it appears to be leaking around the aft end cap - I'll get a closer look tomorrow. We just completed our trip to Arkansas.
Not sure if 2 cans of Barr's Leak would stop this much of a leak. Do you drain down the metal reservoir to add it, or should you drain more to make sure it doesn't stay in the reservoir?
I'm certain R&R will be over a grand which is why I would prefer Barr's Leak for now!

The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #1 –
Would get a second opinion from Cummins plus from someone like a radiator shop that specializes in cooling systems. They have a lot of experience and can give you pros and cons.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #2 –
Would not have hesitated to recommend a additive for engine or transmission seal leak but this is a serious choice with possible negative results than only someone really qualified can take the responsibility for. Once it has been added, its not like draining the oil sump to get it out.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #3 –
I have heard someone say they have had success in fixing a leak by tightening bolts holding radiator end caps together.

I assume you drain out some coolant so metal reservoir has room for Barrs. But if you have been adding coolant to plastic overflow tank, you could add Barrs there also when coolant is hot, so it will draw in from overflow container, when radiator cools.

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #4 –
Dave,
Give me a call in am to discuss Barr's leak.

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Dave Head <v8q@bellsouth.net> wrote:
Quote
I've had a coolant leak for a long time - on this last trip it either decided to show up, or another one developed. I don't see much of an increase.
When on a trip, I routinely add about a quart or slightly less a day. At this point it appears to be leaking around the aft end cap - I'll get a closer look tomorrow. We just completed our trip to Arkansas. Not sure if 2 cans of Barr's Leak would stop this much of a leak. Do you drain down the metal reservoir to add it, or should you drain more to make sure it doesn't stay in the reservoir? I'm certain R&R will be over a grand which is why I would prefer Barr's Leak for now!

Dave Head & Starr Martin
Oviedo, FL
95 U320C SE 40
07 Chevy Tahoe Z71
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #5 –
Under the advice of Foretravel I added two containers of Barsleak p/n C16 for an identical leak described. It stopped the leak in about 15 minutes of driving. I removed a quart or so from the metal reservoir and added the Barsleak there when cold. I added a half a container to my generator cooling system and stopped that leak as well. Up to four containers may be added to the engine cooling system but try two first. One must use p/n C16, it's compatible with ELC.

Bob Carbone
2000 U320
Bob & Suzy
2000 U320 4010 SPEC
2006 Honda CRV

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #6 –
I added barrs leak  several years ago for end cap leak on advice of james Triana and MOT. Worked well for 2 years. Developed another leak while on an extended trip and added barrs leak C16 again. Believe dose is about 4 bottles. After second time I got a new radiator installed by MOT. I recall on a motorcade to Alaska a foretravel with rear radiator developed a huge leak and pulled into a roadside pullout. I happened to have several bottles of barrs leak and it amazingly stopped the leak within minutes and no more problems for rest  of the trip. So far I have no problems with new radiator installed  two years ago. Engine has run fine with no problems. I did change the water filter after using barrs leak.
Felix and Gail Mathieu
99 U320
Jeep Liberty CRD
Build number 5522

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #7 –
Hey Dave,

You should definitely check with a local radiator shop.  For my genset radiator I was charged $70 for a boil out, pressure check, and repaint.  When I inquired about the cost for the engine radiator, I was told $175.  Since I didn't need any repairs done to the genset radiator, I didn't find out what it would cost to repair leaks.  These prices, of course, were reflective of me pulling the radiators.  I'll be having my engine radiator boiled and repainted when I do the flush this winter.
Brian and Jen
 

Re: Barrs Leak or pull it? 95 U320 M11

Reply #8 –
Even with an 80 foot driveway and meeting the county rules, my HOA would have a heart attack should I lay up my coach for 4-5 days.
I added two bottles of Bars Leak HD (11oz, effective for up to 4 gal, $4.99) after draining down the metal reservoir. After filling it back up I took the coach out for an hour long drive.
Result - the end cap area is completely dry. We'll see on the trip next month how things go. I'll go with under 20 bucks for now rather than a grand plus!

I know my dad swore by Bars Leak back in the 60s (I still remember the dark glass bottle with the yellow lettering!). I figure that the coolant channels in a 10.9L diesel cooling system are a tad larger than standard automotive gas systems so I doubt any loss in cooling effectiveness...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT