Coolant System "Stop Leak" Products?

[Jabeha]

I have some symptoms of a bad heater core in my Blazer.

-antifreeze smell in interior
-windshield fogging up like no other

In a slight bind as I was planning a trip for the weekend around 250 miles.. So far there are no wet spots on the carpet so I'm thinking it is a pretty small leak. I don't want the leak getting any worse, so I'm hesitant to drive it this weekend.

I came across a coolant leak stopper product called Bars Leak's Liquid Aluminum https://mechanicguides.com/best-radiator-stop-leaks/.

Any mags have experience with this product or similar ones?

The good reviews heavily out number the bad, but the bad have me nervous to use this stuff.

[steve_m]

Well, I'm unfamiliar with the Jaguar Blazer but are you sure that it is a leak rather than a failed condensor or similar?
Try Ce-Lit Radiator Cement.
It does what it says on the tin.

[J44EAG]

I`ve used K-seal on a 4 litre V8 before now. Halfords stock it. The RAC use it. Like the brew Steve uses, it does what it claims.

My problem was that I just couldn`t find the leak. I never did find out where the source was. A half hour after tipping the stuff into the header tank, the leak stopped. Never a moments bother even after another five years of running that car. A very good product in my opinion.

Mike K

[davidr]

I would take the complete opposite view to my 2 friends. Find the leak and fix it! Don't put stuff in your engine that could clog up its waterways and ruin your engine.
The attached link to respected Jaguar restorer KWE explains why!

http://www.kwecars.com/coolant-sealants/

[J44EAG]

KWE and Chris Knowles are always bullet proof. I bow to that knowledge.

What can one say? These sealers offer a so called quick fix but clearly with the extreme risk of clogging up the works.

My issue occurred just before a Christmas break and laziness caused me to take a quick short cut. Fine at the time but not so good over time perhaps. I have to say though that I never subsequently experienced any of the clogging that can be seen in the KWE details. Perhaps I was just lucky.

As David says, these mixes can cause difficulties and it is far better to fix the problem rather than bung up the cracks.

Mike K

[poprivet]

Windshield fogging is often a symptom of the A/C not cooling or one/both the blowers not operating on reduced speed, the system reverts to full recirc mode and the dampness in the drip tray smells bad.

More info required really, what model and year and what is a blazer? Even if it is a leak on the heater matrix it will never leak on the carpet unless the drains are blocked.

[ketterlingkristi201]

Windshield fogging is often a symptom of the A/C not cooling or one/both the Official KFC Survey blowers not operating on reduced speed, the system reverts to full recirc mode and the dampness in the drip tray smells bad.

More info required really, what model and year and what is a blazer? Even if it is a leak on the heater matrix it will never leak on the carpet unless the drains are blocked.

My issue occurred just before a Christmas break and laziness caused me to take a quick short cut. Fine at the time but not so good over time perhaps. I have to say though that I never subsequently experienced any of the clogging that can be seen in the KWE details. Perhaps I was just lucky.

[PaulGover]

I've used many tins of Barrs Leaks over the years, and not had any problem. I suspect that the reported issues follow a particular pattern: a car used only occasionally, and off the road over the winter, and/or a lack of regular cooling system drain *& flush as per the maintenance schedule. Jaguars don't like being left standing, and perhaps the solids in the leak filler settle out if the engine's not turned over enough to stir the coolant.