Rad sealer OE applications

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Originally Posted By: Conman
Does anyone have info on manufacturers using a rad sealer in every vehicle on the production line. I know they use it, I cannot find anywhere to confirm this.

On every vehicle? Not sure but GM used it on quite a few and so does Subaru.
Its the same formula (ginger root) except one is in tabs made by Bars Leak (GM) and Holts makes the liquid form for Subaru.

Bars Leak Gold powder is the same stuff.
 
Subaru did have an approved coolant additive, but most manufacturers just use a coolant that includes stop leak type additives already, so in most cases if you use OEM coolant it has all you need. Some manufacturers do put extra stop leak additives in during initial assembly to seal the plugs and hose connections etc.
 
Originally Posted By: skunkship
but most manufacturers just use a coolant that includes stop leak type additives already, so in most cases if you use OEM coolant it has all you need

That is 100% false! Most do not use any sealer in their OEM coolants, in fact i know of none.

Post a link to OEM coolant with stop leak.

BTW Subaru still has an OEM approved stop leak.
 
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Zerex used to have little stop leak "balls" in their coolant.That was back in the 1970s and 1980s...
 
Most good quality OEM coolants contain the additives Sodium Silicate, Phosphate and Molydbate, in addition to Borate and Dextrin. They are not all listen on the data sheets as they are not all toxic and for some reason are not listed in the ingredients list either. Now go look up which one has a side effect of helping act as a sealant, because I forgot which one it was in the Volvo and Merc OEM coolant, it is not as good as a true stop leak but it does make a difference, as does adding a raw egg whilst the engine is running!
For cheaper cars they just use a factory fill stop leak in many cases as they don't want to use more expensive coolant, but the better manufacturers don't expect an owner to need to top up coolant or oil in between services, so they tend to use better coolant and oil seals.

Adds fan: Bars Leak Gold powder is the same stuff.

I just knew they would figure out what a great additive Gold powder is, first NASA put it in rocket engine oil as an anti wear, then the Chinese sell it as a snake oil additive and now Bars has thrown a few grams in their stop leak!
 
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No link, no proof! Oh you forgot? Busted as another tall skunkship tale!
FACT. Volvo, BMW, VW or MB, GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc does not use a sealer in their OEM coolants!
If they did why did GM spec adding sealing tabs to the system, ditto Subaru?

Now we are supposed to believe that they are deliberately omitting these sealers from the ingredient list?

Bars Leak Gold powder is the same stuff as what? Since when do OEM coolants contain Ginger Root?

Prove what your are claiming man.
 
Originally Posted By: Conman
Does anyone have info on manufacturers using a rad sealer in every vehicle on the production line. I know they use it, I cannot find anywhere to confirm this.


It was used on our fleet trucks for many years, but is no longer spec'd to the best of my knowledge. We simply do not have cooling system issues anymore, so we wouldn't know!

Skyship, please prove your claim.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
Bars Leak Gold powder is the same stuff as what? Since when do OEM coolants contain Ginger Root?


I think he meant the GM radiator additive contains gingeroot and crushed walnut shells similar to Bar's leaks version. This is not included in the OEM but I have heard dealerships adding it when they do major coolant work (radiator/gaskets etc.) as a preventative. I too have never heard of OEM coolants containing them either...
 
"Zerex used to have little stop leak "balls"" yep it all so messed up thermostats. i used it in the late 60s. i spent every other week end changing stats all summer long. it really messed up a good engine.
 
Originally Posted By: Conman
Not in the coolant they sell, in the vehicle on the line.

Thats quite possible but they are not adding it to their OTC service fluids as you say.
 
Originally Posted By: morris
"Zerex used to have little stop leak "balls"" yep it all so messed up thermostats. i used it in the late 60s. i spent every other week end changing stats all summer long. it really messed up a good engine.
I remember that stuff, I never used it.
 
I used it in my Subaru until the headgaskets leaked, then I had them replaced with multilayer steel gaskets and never looked back. No more additive for me
smile.gif
 
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