Bar's/Water pump lube and anti-rust

[edvanp]

Anyone use this at all? I saw it a local stores (Meijer's) at a reasonable price. Product details:

"Bar’s Leaks Cooling System Water Pump Lube with Anti-Rust protects aluminum, copper, iron and all other parts of the cooling system to help prevent the formation of
rust and corrosion. The water soluble oil formula lubricates the thermostat and the water pump seal. Compatible with ALL brands of antifreeze including conventional green or blue (Silicate-based) and extended life red/orange or yellow (OAT/HOAT) coolant. A must use if running only water in the cooling system, especially racing
applications."

Worth trying on an old high mileage vehicle?

 

[Shannow]

Soluble oil is bad news for heat transfer, worse than anti-freeze.

Water pumps have mechanical seals that are effectively lubricated by water/coolant, and don't need oil.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Just flush the cooling system and replace the water pump.

 

[TallPaul]

I have used Zerex Water Pump Lube and Protector with no harmful effects. Got it at NAPA. A system flush is in order periodically though.

 

[GreeCguy]

I use it in my 1950 Case Model "D" tractor. It turns your coolant into a black/dark brown thick messy soup. Not something I would want to put in a car, even an old beater car.

 

[Charlie1935]

Back in the days of alcohol anti freeze in the winter and water for summer use it was common to such an additive.

 

[kschachn]

Worth trying for what? Is there a problem with one of your cars that you're trying to fix with snake oil this product?

Originally Posted By: edvanp
Anyone use this at all? I saw it a local stores (Meijer's) at a reasonable price. Product details:

"Bar’s Leaks Cooling System Water Pump Lube with Anti-Rust protects aluminum, copper, iron and all other parts of the cooling system to help prevent the formation of
rust and corrosion. The water soluble oil formula lubricates the thermostat and the water pump seal. Compatible with ALL brands of antifreeze including conventional green or blue (Silicate-based) and extended life red/orange or yellow (OAT/HOAT) coolant. A must use if running only water in the cooling system, especially racing
applications."

Worth trying on an old high mileage vehicle?

 

[larryinnewyork]

Growing up in the 60's, driving in the 70's, my Father got me trained to use 'water pump' lubricant.
Maybe it was needed with the green anti-freeze ? ? ?
I don't know.

These days, I drain & fill using Prestone Extended Life.
No water pump lube added.

 

[GreeCguy]

I use it in my old tractor for a number of reasons, none of which really apply to an automobile.

1: The cooling system on this old tractor is huge and is mostly made from cast iron, (even the top of the rad is a huge cast iron "tank" that holds about two gallons).

2. The water pump is sealed with leather seals which "dribble" a little fluid over time, running or not.

3. The system is not sealed. The "rad" cap simply sits on top of the rad and is held in place with a wire clamp, (it came from the factor this way). It never builds up any pressure at all. You can run it all day and pop the rad cap off at any time to check coolant level.

4. I live in Florida so "anti-freeze" is not a necessity, (on the occasional cold nights that drop below freezing, I simply hang a light bulb next to the rad).

Because of all this, I run straight water from the garden hose in the cooling system of this old tractor. I use this additive to combat rust and hopefully, make that 70 year old water pump last a little longer.

Having said all of this, there is no way I would use this product in any of my automobiles, (not even the 20 year old "Bluesmobile"), as it turns the coolant into a somewhat thick, black, sludgy mess. I wish I could post pics as I would readily share what the outside top of the rad looks like. After every use, I wipe down the top of the rad as coolant splashes out and coats the top of the rad with this oily gunk.

 

[TallPaul]

Originally Posted By: GreeCguy
it [the bars leaks stuff] turns the coolant into a somewhat thick, black, sludgy mess. I wish I could post pics as I would readily share what the outside top of the rad looks like. After every use, I wipe down the top of the rad as coolant splashes out and coats the top of the rad with this oily gunk.


I can assure you that the Zerex stuff I mentioned above does NOT do this. You would never know it is in there from looking at the coolant. I would be leary of anything from Bar's Leaks company as they have this powder that is supposed to plug leaks in a radiator and I have seen it used a few times and never seemed to work.

 

[EricF]

I've used the Zerex water pump lubricant/anti rust, never have had an issue with it. I got the bottles for free, so I have to use it up somewhere!