Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Anyone tried additives to stop coolant leak from head gasket?

[Blacksdieselhp]

I've got a 2001 thats just an old work truck and its leaking coolant from the front of the head on the exhaust man. side. Has anyone tried any of the "stop leak" additives? Which ones work the best? I've herd some people say they work good but wanted an opinion from here. I really don't want to spend the time or money to replace the head gasket on this truck.

 

[The Adjuster]

I personally would fix it properly, will be less expensive in the long term ... Do it once and do it right.

However I do know a few people that have used "Steel Seal" for a blown head gasket and say it works great, actually one of the guys is still driving the repaired vehicle and has put nearly 50K miles on it since pouring this stuff in the radiator just over 2 years ago. It is non fiberous so no chance of blocking anything up.

Their website is Steel Seal



Hope this helps



Kevin

 

[Blacksdieselhp]

I agree with you on fixing it right is cheaper, but this thing has so many problems, it isn't funny. I just want to get another year out of it without spending any big money and then I'm gonna tear it down and start on the new play truck. I appreciate your time though. Thanks

 

[SEmerson]

I freind of mine used the black tar like stuff on a head gasket and it fixed it fine. He had a leak at the head by the thermastat in a 97 cummins.

 

[AKAMAC]

If you flush the anti-freeze out, you can use sodium silicate (egg seal).



Fill with clean water start up, add SS, drive around to get the pressure up. Once it seals up drain and re-fill with AF. I did this with a Vega. Got tired of changing cracked heads on it. Got me through the my last year of college. It is messy if you tear it down later though. Mike