Greg Guess

99 Burb 5.7 that h

Something like this
as 288k on the clock. Noticed it has begun to loose a little antifreeze. Not quite 1 quart per 1000 miles. Never runs hot. Does put out some white smoke on cold starts then quits. No bubbles in the radiator or resivoir, but rented a head gasket tester from the parts store and the antifreeze tests positive for exhaust gasses.

Anyway, should I try a head gasket sealer like bars or wait to see if the problem worsens. My thoughts are try $30 to see if it helps before a tear down sometime in the future.

Little Bear

IMO the sealers are a last option, if they do work it isn't for long, if you can fix it right and keep going.

kevinkpk

Nope, head gasket in a can or whatever, this isn't a fix.

tech2

snake oil

oldchevy

They work but not for long. I used it once and it lasted for about 6 months. I guess it depends on how bad the leak is.

sfcjones

I wouldn't use it at all.
That stuff is nothing but a short term fix with long term issues.

repairman54

I'll add that any sealer in the cooling system will plug heater cores and radiators sooner or later.

kevinkpk

Also, if it does seal, i,e, radiator, it will find the next weak spot, and leak there.

MIKEY BARAN

I Have Used Sealer In My Older Spare Vehicles...If You Follow The Instructions, And Its A Small Hairline Crack...IT WORKS ...Add It SUPER SLOW ...If You Just Dump It In, You Can Expect Clog Issues...Try FIBERLOCK BY K&W....You Will Feel And Hear The Difference In 30 Minutes...NO SEALER OR JB CAN FIX BIG LEAKS..Do Not Expect Miracles...

MIKEY BARAN

I Have Used Sealer In My Older Spare Vehicles...If You Follow The Instructions, And Its A Small Hairline Crack...IT WORKS ...Add It SUPER SLOW ...If You Just Dump It In, You Can Expect Clog Issues...Try FIBERLOCK BY K&W....You Will Feel And Hear The Difference In 30 Minutes...NO SEALER OR JB CAN FIX BIG LEAKS..Do Not Expect Miracles...