I have a very small head gasket leak. When the day is hot, I tend to lose coolant in my reservior. It is a small loss of coolant averaging 2 cups a week.

Rather than spend hundreds of dollars repairing the head gasket, I am looking into the option of using a Block sealer to repair the head gasket leak. There are several companies that offer liquids that you would pour into the radiator, after draining it of coolant. The sealer would go to the problem spot and patch the crack or leak.

There is "Steel Seal", CRC product called "Metallic Block Seal" both under $50.00.

Anyone use this type of product? Please advise.

Thank you in advance.

 

I have used these products before w/ good results. My brother had a 90 Supra w/ blown head gasket and I sealed it w/ the CRC "Block Seal". The leak was fixed, but I spun a main after fixing the H/G. Oops...

 

My personal opinion is to get it fixed, the band-aid fix may work for a short time, but it is not a permanent fix.

 

I say if you have the cash, just get it fixed, but if your like me, cash is just not there. Ive used prestone radiator sealer with good results. Had a manifold gasket on a V8 that leaked coolent outside as well as into the crankcase. The stop leak fixed it and was good for 75000 miles, untill I threw a rod in it.

In the mean time, know that it could let go and be prepared. Maybe even start saving up for the proper repair and do it a little later.

 

In the same boat - interested in hearing more opinions, leaning toward the heavy wrenching and just getting it over with though.

 

Just fix it...you'll be much happier.

Any short-term fix only delays the real deal. The crud you pour in there not only ends up blocking the leak it's intended to fix, but various other parts of the radiator, thermostat and whatever else it can find. Stop gap measures are rarely, if ever, the answer...

Sorry, but that's what I would do...

 

never had much luck with the stuff. Your going to have to fix it. They're quite easy on the 22R. Does water hit your hand when you put it in front of your exhaust pipe? Bunch of white smoke? The situation will only get worse.

 

Fix it. Search this site for HG replacement write ups. If you have a 22r/re it's not so bad to do. The term "fun" even comes to mind. The 3.0 is a bit more intensive with that almost impossible to get a wrench on the bolts crossover exhaust pipe, but still not too bad.
I'd rather repair it on my own terms, instead of hoping the "fix" holds and breaking down in some obscure inconvenient place ...been there.
Put in a new timing setup while you're in there.

 

when i bougt my 4runner with the 3.0 and bad head gasket, i decided to replace it. when i pulled it apart to clean up and replace things, you should have seen the mess. i guess someone before me had dumped some of that stop leak stuff in, all i can say is nasty. it definatly had clogged other openings as well. i have to say do it right the first time.