GM Coolant tablets

[benjamming]

All of this is for a GM 3.1L V6.
Is there a predicted life expectancy for the GM coolant tablets?
Is there a certain dosage rate based upon the coolant system capacity?
Should new tablets be installed after draining & refilling the coolant (not a flush)? Is the dosage rate different than if flushed?

 

[unDummy]

It lasts as long as your coolant.

I believe dose was 1 tab for 2 quarts coolant.

Initial 1st dose is for the full systems coolant capacity. All future doses are for the amount of coolant changed out.

 

[benjamming]

Thank you sir.
Any downsides to having more tablets than called for? Say 2x. Any idea at what point it becomes harmful?

 

[y_p_w]

Is this the stuff that contains crushed ginger and almond shell?

 

[onion]

I don't know the dose or the ingredients... but I know of one instance where those tablets effectively sealed a previously leaking intake manifold gasket on a 3100 for nearly two years. I helped the guy take the engine apart (even though it hasn't yet resumed leaking), and the gaskets were split. I was impressed (with the effectiveness of the tablets, not the gaskets).

 

[onion]

haDn't

 

[JHZR2]

yes, its a natural, organic product

It is reccomended to use them when coolant is changed out, though after a few changeouts, if the system has not been power flushed, id likely stop unless something gives a sign of being in harm's way.

Any tiny holes that the bits can find would likely be found by the third loading of tablets. Beyond that, IMO theyre more likely to contribue to fouling and scale-like deposits, as well as reduced heat exchange efficienies, as compared to any real benefit.

JMH

 

[edwardh1]

wonder what GMs reason for using them is
1- its new technology and we are ahead of the industry
or
2. our engines and radiators leak so we have to use it

 

[rat]

I checked with our senior tech, (30+ years) he told me they were originally a repair for aluminum headed Cadillac engines back in the 80's for head gasket issues.

 

[onion]

Anybody who has had experience with the 60 degree V6 engines knows that the answer is #2. From what I've heard, several of their other engines are leaky, too.

 

[JHZR2]

Yes but I have to be curious about one thing - do the gaskets evellop leaks in time, or are they either lousy or not?

If they devellop leaks in time, then this compound ought to be used regularly. If its a case of the latter, a few applications and then UOA ought be all that one ever really needs to know.

JMH

 

[Doc8404]

is this product only found at the GM dealer or are their other brands??

 

[onion]

In my experience, all 3100 intake gaskets WILL leak eventually. Might take 30k miles, might take 130k- I've even heard of some originals going over 200k. The coolant tablets are a bandaide for a bad design.

 

[The Critic]

Quote:

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is this product only found at the GM dealer or are their other brands??

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Try the Bar's Leak branded pellets (not liquid) from Walmart.

 

[lght1]

Hi

Rather than a "Band-Aid", why not fix the 3100 with a permanent solution?

The solution I speak of is Fel-Pro's "Problem Solver" LIM gasket which, unlike the OEM one, is aluminum framed.

After the repair, flush the OAT coolant out and fill with a HOAT of your choice.

 

[benjamming]

Hi,

I'm very aware of the Fel-Pro gaskets available. There may be other reasons that I didn't mention and therefore you aren't aware of for delaying the 2nd time to fix this problem (hence title thread). If a $4 pack of coolant tablets will safely allow the fix to be delayed for a couple years, it may be a very good plan.

 

[beanoil]

Just did a coolant change this AM on my truck. '95 K1500, 350 SBC. The manual even calls out for the GM tabs when changing coolant. Flushed with a tee in the heater hose from the tap, then 3 flushes with RO water. 2 gallons of MaxLife coolant (95 and older use conventional green- 96 and up, DexCool) and a tube of Bars Leak (same as tabs, only crushed). Interesting that GM has called for a preventative measure up front since the 90's.

 

[benjamming]

RO water? Is this not expensive?

 

[another Todd]

Some auto manufacturers add barr's stop leak pellets at the factory to prevent cooling system "seepage" which causes repair order warrantee claims. It's not a band-aid, it's an adjunct, when used before a leak. Although I would have no problem using it after a leak either. It just plain works.

 

[beanoil]

Quote:

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RO water? Is this not expensive?

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I have an RO unit to purify water for the salt water fish tank. Works out to about .30 a gallon. Nearly any pet store that deals ocean animals will have RO water for .50 a gallon. This is another source for anyone looking for very pure water.