Bars stop leak for radiator? Does it work?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Keepforgettingmypassword, Jan 14, 2023.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’ve hauled Bars Leak from their Holly Mi. Plant. Had a couple cases of it forever. They originally gained fame with their advertisements about Manufacturers using a bottle on every new vehicle built. Don’t know who knew who to get that deal, Lol. They also make about 35 other Snake oil additives like Transmedic, power steering leak stop, Gold Seal Brand products among others, all the gimmicks you see in the automotive isle. Most of it is just mineral spirits with a few additives. Gave a few bottles of the Bars Leak to a friend for his Peterbilt. It worked. I finally threw it all away. Later the bolted on tank part on the top started leaking. He used spray flex seal type gutter sealant from Home Depot. It worked too. Never did replace the radiator. Lasted about a year or more, till he sold it. Also hauled some bulk 55 gallon drums to a big Barn in middle of nowhere Pa. They packaged a whole line of similar products, different brand names. It was interesting to see where all this crap comes from. Amazingly small primitive type operations. Nothing fancy, just mixed together and packaged up in a big tin shed.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2023
  2. RubyEagle

    RubyEagle Medium Load Member

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    This post brought to you by Zecol, it just works! :)
     
  3. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    Ok cool,
    Thanks
     
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  4. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    Will plumbers tape work on this?
    IMG_20230122_151813_01.jpg
     
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  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’m sure it would. I’d use pipe dope myself. The little white bottle from permatex. I use it on everything. There’s higher rated stuff, like. Give Me the Green Stuff. Home Depot sells a Blue one that’s supposed to be real good. Anything will work. It probably just needs one more clockwise turn.
     
  6. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    Thank you.
     
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  7. Elroythekid

    Elroythekid Road Train Member

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    There is NO fixes in a bottle. They are temporary at the very best, and usually cause problems down the road. Fix it right. If it's the rad, find someone who can braze it a little, if it's one of the new plastic, aluminum reads, replace it.
    Not to repeat myself, but..
    There are no "Miracles in a bottle"
    Just snake oil.