Small head gasket leak

[adileo]

Hi Guys

39 Deluxe
59Ab cast heads

I have a small head gasket leak. It appears to only occur when I do highway driving (over 50). I tried re-tork bolts, which didn't fix it. I did a lot of reading on here and many said Barr's stop leak worked in many instances. So, I bought a bottle (liquid aluminum based).

Took car for 20 min drive at low speeds (40 and under) and no leak. Couple days later took on highway (55-60) and (sigh) there it is again, little less than before Barr's. It's on passenger side top part of head.

My question is, is Barr's continually working or is it a one shot deal and once you drive it a few times is it all done.

Obviously, my next step is to pull the heads and get a new gasket if, the Barr's dont seal it up.

Thanks in advance Andy

[51 MERC-CT]

And then there's the possibility that the leak may be coming from a point above the head (rad. hose/ heater/temp. gage fitting etc.) and settling at the head gasket area.

[adileo]

Thanks Merc but I have been monitoring the leak for sometime and I am fairly certain, it's the gasket.

[TStiles]

Why not just take a bit of time and replace the gasket?

[adileo]

As mentioned that is my next step. If I need to go that route I will, but was trying the simplest approach first. As also mentioned many on here have said the Barr's worked.

[adileo]

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I can't recall or delete this thread but hopefully this will help someone else.

I found the empty bottle and it had a 800 number on it. I called Barrs and they said the product continues to work. It hardens after filling void/leak when engine cools off.

I'll give it a couple more weeks and if still leaking, replace both gaskets. Since if one started I think other will do same sooner or later

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by adileo

I can't recall or delete this thread but hopefully this will help someone else.

I found the empty bottle and it had a 800 number on it. I called Barrs and they said the product continues to work. It hardens after filling void/leak when engine cools off.

I'll give it a couple more weeks and if still leaking, replace both gaskets. Since if one started I think other will do same sooner or later

If you can convert you radiator cap to a pressure cap that will help.
With a WORKING pressure cap the captured pressure in the system
will push the Bars into small cracks as it cools Try another bottle. G.M.

[JSeery]

We had good luck with stop leak in a 427 with a seriously leaking headgasket. I was really surprised it worked, but it did.

[petehoovie]

@adileo - See this thread > https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191706

[adileo]

Thanks guys. I'll still wait for a few more outings and see if Barrs works.

What's your thoughts now that a bottle of Barrs is already in, would I gum things up too much now adding k-seal?

[petehoovie]

Run it with the Barrs and see what happens. If you run it with both the Barrs and the kseal and the leak stops, you wont know which product did the job for you.


Contact k-seal here > http://www.kseal.com/request-callback/

[GOSFAST]

Hi "d", just a tip when chasing leaks like the one you have there.

First, make certain there's no anti-freeze in the system, this hinders any type sealer you choose, and second, I would flush the entire system with some "Arm & Hammer" type soda before adding the sealer.

Once it's fairly clean try the sealer.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would add this also, occasionally we get some minor "drips" on many new builds during dyno testing, maybe a core plug or head bolt/stud, etc. Eventually they stop on their own but for insurance we started recommending that the customer use the G.M. tablets after installing the unit. These go in EVERY new ride that G.M. sends down the assembly line today as a precaution. No matter which sealer you try I would disconnect the heater core (if equipped) temporarily. Once the leak has stopped put everything back as it should be. Here's a shot of the tablets.

[petehoovie]

K-Seal is simple to use. You just Shake, Pour & Go. No need to drain or flush the system. No need to worry about what type of antifreeze or coolant is in the cooling system. It couldn’t be easier! > http://www.kseal.com/

I can attest to the fact that this stuff really works....

[GEOFFNZ]

We used Barrs leaks on a vintage competition flathead with alloy heads and solid copper gaskets.Would always wet one plug on startup.Problem solved with B.L.and always starts now on 8, Cheers.

[1937pickup]

Originally Posted by GOSFAST

Hi "d", just a tip when chasing leaks like the one you have there.

First, make certain there's no anti-freeze in the system, this hinders any type sealer you choose, and second, I would flush the entire system with some "Arm & Hammer" type soda before adding the sealer.

Once it's fairly clean try the sealer.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would add this also, occasionally we get some minor "drips" on many new builds during dyno testing, maybe a core plug or head bolt/stud, etc. Eventually they stop on their own but for insurance we started recommending that the customer use the G.M. tablets after installing the unit. These go in EVERY new ride that G.M. sends down the assembly line today as a precaution. No matter which sealer you try I would disconnect the heater core (if equipped) temporarily. Once the leak has stopped put everything back as it should be. Here's a shot of the tablets.

Ford uses the same type of product on their assembly lines. If Ford sells it, it may work better in a flathead.

[Bill S]

How can you find out which head is leaking if you think that there is a gasket leak?

[JSeery]

Compression and/or leakdown test will tell if it is leaking into a cylinder (assuming the valves or rings are not leaking). Visual should help locate any external leak.

[41Joe]

Originally Posted by Bill S

How can you find out which head is leaking if you think that there is a gasket leak?

You can also pull the plugs and see which one, or ones look extra clean, seeing that they are basically being steam cleaned.

[GEOFFNZ]

Also by identifying a cylinder that won't fire for awhile because of water on the plug.It only takes a couple of drops.Cheers

[GSCOV]

white pepper is the old timers remedy. My dad used to take the tobacco from a cigarette and add it to the running car's system. ??