Solv-Tec K-Seal Coolant Leak Repair

[projectcruiser]

Coming from Land Rovers, where head gasket problems are even more prevalent than on the 1FZ, some reputable people have backed this product. It seems to be more premium than your average box store head gasket fix.

It seems people have been running it primarily as a preventative measure rather than a full on fix, but it does seem to work for the latter too.

K-Seal - EE - Expedition Exchange Incorporated

I´m very skeptical of this type of product, however with some research I´ve been reading these types of products are getting alot better.

I´d like to put it in my tank for some insurance, what do you guys think?

 

[nodaksn3]

Have not heard of or tried that product, but generally I'm opposed to any "stop leak" type stuff. Reason: I used a little (can't remember what brand) on my '62, and it plugged up the radiator just enough for the engine to overheat, resulting in a cracked head, etc. It was an extremely hot summer day (remember those?) when it overheated, but I attribute the overheating to the stop leak stuff. Replaced the head and radiator-big bucks! I've kept after the maintenance on my 80, including flushing the radiator, new hoses and anti-freeze periodically, and after over 240,000 miles have never had a problem (knock on wood). Recommendation Follow Toyota guidance, and don't use it. Just my $.02. Ned

 

[projectcruiser]

I´m generally very skeptical of these products, but it seems to work, perhaps just as a backup for the system.

 

[jvazquez53]

The ones I've seen that normally work are more than $13.00, more like $60.00. One of my friends used used one on his R22 engine, don't know the brand about 2 years ago. As of today, the truck is working fine, no overheating problems. A machine shop recommended me one of those. One thing they told me is that to make sure your cooling system is clean.

 

[NLXTACY]

IF you use something like this and your system is already pretty cruddy inside then yeah it could cause issues. I have a known blown head gasket and used BARS as an emergency stop gap until I could get the headgasket taken care of. Its been almost a year now I think and its still holding up. Not saying it should be considered for everyone but in my instance it worked/works fine and eventually I will get to that pesky headgasket (and subsequent SC!!!)

 

[BostonCruiser96]

IF you use something like this and your system is already pretty cruddy inside then yeah it could cause issues. I have a known blown head gasket and used BARS as an emergency stop gap until I could get the headgasket taken care of. Its been almost a year now I think and its still holding up. Not saying it should be considered for everyone but in my instance it worked/works fine and eventually I will get to that pesky headgasket (and subsequent SC!!!)

After seeing "BARS" a few times I've got to ask what that means. I just had a pretty good radiator leak show up today from the bottom tank seal. Looking for solutions. Probably going for the replace don't repair route but wanted to check options.

 

[SpenserAK]

After seeing "BARS" a few times I've got to ask what that means. I just had a pretty good radiator leak show up today from the bottom tank seal. Looking for solutions. Probably going for the replace don't repair route but wanted to check options.

View attachment 3354917

Bars is a stop leak brand

Definitely replace. Bars may help, or it may not, but it's temporary either way

 

[Kernal]

More info would help; if it's the original radiator and the plastic of the top tank is turning brown it's past time to replace it. IME it's often difficult to tell where a leak like you have is located without pulling the radiator anyways, could be a crack in the bottom tank, could be squirting out from the hose, could be dripping down from somewhere above, ----.

Make sure you have an OEM radiator cap that is functioning ie: allowing coolant to flow into the overflow tank and then back to the radiator when it cools down.

Either way, IME, stop leak products don't work very well with leaking radiators.