Head gasket is externally leaking coolant..easy fixes?

[Tyrolkid2]

Hey guys-

I have '94 Ford Explorer, 4.0 OHV Motor with 45k miles on it. The truck is leaking coolant from the headgasket to the outside of the engine. Theere are no issues with compression or oil/water contamination. Truck runs perfectly. I know the right thing to do is swap a new gasket in, but I was wondering if anyone had any luck using Bars stopleak or something similar in a situation of this nature. The leak is about 1 quart of coolant every 1000 miles or so. Thanks!

 

[Drew99GT]

No Way! That's a big leak.

 

[Ironduke4]

Sorry no easy fixes for that one!
The only way to fix that is to replace the head gaskets on both heads don't just replace the one that is leaking.

 

[Ignatz]

I've been putting in the Barrs leak in powder form for a little over 2 years in my 92 Ford Escort wagon. Mine leaks internally into a cylinder and eventually will foul a plug. That was 2 years ago and no more fouled plug. Its been lasting for about 7-9 months and when I start to smell antifreeze out the tailpipe at start up, I add another container. At first I thought I had a head gasket leak, but now am convinced its a small crack in the head. You also might have a cracked head... Don't be afraid to put a second treatment in on top of the first.

 

[Gary Allan]

Just keep filling it up with water. Eventually the corrosion will plug the leak.

When it stops using water, pour in antifreeze. If the rest of your cooling system is still functional ..you may be okay.

 

[99]

Huh? No way. The only way to fix this is to replace the gasket (and check for a warped head).

 

[Riflemen10x]

Try to put a 1/4 turn on the head bolts.That has stoped some leaking headgasket for me.might just do the trick.

Riflemen10x