Radiator Leak Stop

Topic: Radiator Leak Stop (Read 1803 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator Leak Stop

March 10, 2017, 01:08:51 am

For years we have carried 4 containers of Bar's Leak C16. I looked at the bottles and they are not liquid feeling and all are sunken in a little. I assume they have a shelf life and this batch should not be used.

I also have determined that our Bar's leak stop C16 is no longer a current product.

In case of a leak, what should we use that can co-exist with Fleetguard ES Compleat with DCA?

We know that new manufacturers may add some as a preventative.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #1 – March 10, 2017, 09:26:47 am

Ground black pepper is a very good stop leak.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #2 – March 10, 2017, 10:04:18 am

what amount of pepper. Would you have to clear out the counters at the store so you have enough??
I would get the rad rebuilt if I started to have a leak, unless it is just a tightening of vertical bolts needed.
Really not too keen on possibly blocking something up in the system.
JohnH

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #3 – March 10, 2017, 10:10:13 am

Why not ask the folks at "Bars Leak" what replaces your product?

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #4 – March 10, 2017, 10:34:01 am

We called Bars Leak and they recommended "Stop Leak Tabs" and retreat every 15,000 miles.
Added 32 tabs for our system at 134,059 (10-27-16). Just checked yesterday after 1,600 miles, level is still at the same point.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #5 – March 10, 2017, 11:03:22 am

One or two large cans from the spice isle is enough for all leaks that repair in a can will fix. My neighbor doubted this fix until his tractor had a large leak at the radiator top cap. Still not leaking three years later.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #6 – March 10, 2017, 11:17:58 am

Used the black pepper trick on our old hunting buggies 50 years ago.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #7 – March 10, 2017, 11:44:06 am

See! You didn't have to call, information here on the forum.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #8 – March 10, 2017, 10:20:03 pm

Wonder if red pepper would stop it

faster than black

?

Carter-

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #9 – March 10, 2017, 10:31:59 pm

Carter, good one

JohnH

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #10 – March 11, 2017, 12:44:50 am

How about Kaopectate? Just kidding - I'm opposed to putting anything into an engine cooling system other than coolant. If it is designed to plug up leaks, why wouldn't it plug up narrow passages? Considering the possible downside, why take the chance?

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #11 – March 11, 2017, 07:56:44 am

I replaced my radiator and transmission cooler. Was not leaking yet but the radiator was showing its age and cooling was not as it used to be. I rather pay for a new radiator the an engine or transmission

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #12 – March 11, 2017, 12:10:45 pm

Quote from: Texas Guy – March 10, 2017, 10:20:03 pm

Wonder if red pepper would stop it

faster than black ?

Carter-

I Think red pepper dissolves - so, no,,,,

Jim

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #13 – March 11, 2017, 01:22:03 pm

Cayenne pepper may make it run hot.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #14 – March 11, 2017, 04:18:12 pm

I see a seepage along bottom rear edge of Cummins radiator. How many tabs of stop leak should I try? Should I wait and add it afternoon before our next travel day?

On travel days it uses around 1/8 or less of overflow tank

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #15 – March 11, 2017, 04:46:46 pm

Good one T-man and Sven.

This place should have it's lighter moments.

I have used stop leak products over the years and have never, knowingly, had any
issues, but always wondered about small passage ways inside the engine or cooling
system.

Carter-

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #16 – March 11, 2017, 04:57:26 pm

Last time I used that crap was on my '47 GMC that only had to go a few miles every day.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #17 – March 11, 2017, 11:26:01 pm

Pepper, ah ha, maybe that is why I sneeze whenever the dash heat is on!

(There aren't many good pepper jokes.)

Jim
2002U320

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #18 – March 11, 2017, 11:34:52 pm

The C 16 has a 4 year shelf life and we would suggest discarding it.

We would recommend part number J100 to keep with you. The dosage is 4 tablets per gallon of coolant if you have a leak. If that is too much to carry, part number HDC, It is the same product as the J100 but the tablets are larger, so the dosage is two tablets per gallon.

If you want a liquid product then 1196.

J100 and HDC are virtually unlimited shelf life as long as you keep them from moisture / high humidity environments.

The 1196 is three to four years. Keep in mind the 1196 does not have antifreeze in it so need to protect from extreme cold and hot weather conditions.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #19 – March 12, 2017, 01:37:05 pm

I have the answer to my original posting. . .

--- MY QUESTION TO BAR'S ---
For our Cummins engine with Fleetguard ES Compleat DCA coolant, we want to carry something in case we see coolant drips at some future date.
We are not looking for treatment. Our coolant system is 24 gallons. We used to carry C16.

Do both J100 and HDC have the same ingredients, and are just different sizes? What is best for to stop leaks?

--- BAR'S LEAKS ANSWER ---

The C 16 has a 4 year shelf life and we would suggest discarding it.

We would recommend part number J100 to keep with you. The dosage is 4 tablets per gallon of coolant if you have a leak. If that is too much to carry, part number HDC, is the same product as the J100 but the tablets are larger, so the dosage is two tablets per gallon.

The products are the same, just different size tablets. They both are used to stop coolant leaks. Shops use the J100 when doing cooling system jobs. The tablets in the jug / jar are individual and as long as you keep the cap on tight would be fine for your application.

J100 and HDC are virtually unlimited shelf life as long as you keep them from moisture / high humidity environments.

If you want a liquid product then 1196. Shelf life for 1196 is three to four years. Keep in mind the 1196 does not have antifreeze in it, so the bottle needs to be protected from extreme cold and hot weather conditions.

--- FINDINGS ---
Amazon:
Bar's Leaks J-100 DiFM, 100 tablets, 5 grams each. Screw-top round container $17.39 ($0.17 ea)
Bar's Leaks HDC, 6 tablets, 60 grams total (10 grams each). Blister card $4.16, 12-cards $22.57 ($0.31 ea).

For 24 gallon cooling system, 96 J-100 tablets cost $16 or 48 HDC tablets cost $15.

DiFM stands for Do it For Me.

Cooling System Treatment | Coolant Seal

Radiator Leak Repair | Repair Radiator Leak

Radiator Sealer Stop Leak | Radiator Leak Sealer

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #20 – March 12, 2017, 03:27:16 pm

I remember being told an egg white works well too. Keep this up and coolant leaks mean no breakfast.

Re: Radiator Leak Stop

Reply #21 – March 13, 2017, 11:08:50 pm

We plan to carry a jar of J100 tablets for potential leaks.

Bar's added some more info:

To help them dissolve quicker you can crumble them up by putting them in a clean shop rag and tap lightly so they will break up and dissolve a bit quicker.

You can also pre-dissolve them in some drained antifreeze / coolant.

With J100 product, the 100 tablets are in the jug and they are separate / loose.

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