New head gasket - Barrs Leak

[charlesea]

I am replacing the head gasket this week. Had the head checked to be flat. Checked to be flat.
Is it advisable to put in a can of Barrs Stop leak when replacing the gasket?
Thanks

[1Tudoor]

Barrs Leak for a new head gasket ?? Whoa !
Unless the formula has changed , I've used Barrs Leak thru the yrs as a last ditch effort to seal a cracked block or a similar non repairable leak .
I know it will help to plug radiator cores .

[1930artdeco]

Only if the head gasket is leaking. If you are using the copper head gasket spray both sides (I think) of it with copper spray. If you are using the modern type, just drop it on and then start the torqing sequence.

Mike

[Tom Wesenberg]

I spray Copper Coat on both sides of any head gasket, even if it says "use no sealer".
I believed that "use no sealer" once on a newer MoPar and it leaked.

[Jim Brierley]

I use that silver powdered stuff. Bars leak or similar is not a bad idea.

[1crosscut]

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No need to fix a problem you don't have.

[Mitch//pa]

Use technician in a can as a last resort

[1Tudoor]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Use technician in a can as a last resort

Haven't heard of that but I really don't keep up with what is on todays market .
About 60 yrs ago I had a really nice 40 Merc that overheated & I was dumb enough to pour in cold water while hot & cracked the block ---Barrs Leak fixed it !

[Ron in Quincy]

The new Bars Leak is now designed to stay in the system. You no longer have to drain the system after bringing the engine up to temp.

I use it to stop leaks on the new hoses which , when using original type clamps can sometimes be hard to stop, in particular the two small return hoses.

After a couple days I drain the system, fill with water and one quart of anti-freeze as a rust inhibiter.

Have not had any problems.

Ron

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I spray Copper Coat on both sides of any head gasket, even if it says "use no sealer".
I believed that "use no sealer" once on a newer MoPar and it leaked.

same lol, i use that spray copper stuff on every gasket on every engine.

[Sunnybrook Farm]

A guy who built race engines rebuilt my model A engine and he said that he put stop leak in the new engines so I have always used it without any problems. He said that it sealed anything that opened up when they ran the motors hard.

[Brian T]

Originally Posted by charlesea

I am replacing the head gasket this week. Had the head checked to be flat. Checked to be flat.
Is it advisable to put in a can of Barrs Stop leak when replacing the gasket?
Thanks

What I have always done is to clean all of the holes in the head that the studs pass thru, either with a drill bit that just fits, or use a round cleaning brush in a drill motor wth your favorite penetrating fluid, in addition clean all the studs of any rust, then add a light coat of oil or grease, doing this will prevent the head from pushing the rust down on to the gasket surface, make sure all threads are clean using a wire brush and the nuts are free of grease, do not use any oil.

[hale1776]

Sometimes gasket problems are stud problems if heads off get a good set and replace cheap insurance.

[Bob Bidonde]

My Model A's run with Barr's Stop Leak 100% of the time. Barr's lowers the freezing point of the coolant enough so that anti-freeze is not necessary. Barr's also has a lubricating quality that is good for the water pump.

[Mikeinnj]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

My Model A's run with Barr's Stop Leak 100% of the time. Barr's lowers the freezing point of the coolant enough so that anti-freeze is not necessary. Barr's also has a lubricating quality that is good for the water pump.

Bob, I think you meant the product lowers the boiling point......

Antifreeze is necessary where outdoor temperatures drop below 32F

[C26Pinelake]

you have no problem now, don't create one ! Wayne

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

My Model A's run with Barr's Stop Leak 100% of the time. Barr's lowers the freezing point of the coolant enough so that anti-freeze is not necessary. Barr's also has a lubricating quality that is good for the water pump.

Never heard of that... I don't think I will try it

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

My Model A's run with Barr's Stop Leak 100% of the time. Barr's lowers the freezing point of the coolant enough so that anti-freeze is not necessary. Barr's also has a lubricating quality that is good for the water pump.

Where did you ever hear or see that about lowering the freezing point ? That is bazaar! Wayne

[redmodelt]

RE Barr's (or is it Bar's?); Lubricating is not the same as anti rust and corrosion preventive that comes with anti-freeze. Does this product cover that? Not that I would add if not needed, I'll stick with anti-freeze thank you.

[30ccpickup]

F.Y.I. Wasn't there a recent post where someone was running Barrs and the car boiled over due to a timing issue and the Barrs stained his paint.