Special stop leak for LIMG problem?

[zzyzzx]

This thread make mention of them:
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Pontiac/Montana/1999/engine/intake_manifold_gasket_failure.shtml

GM had a specific radiator and engine stopleak especially used for this problem. I went to GM and bought a package of 8 tablets, made of a vegetable combination, and added this to my radiator. This seemed to seal the leak significantly. I nursed the vehicle along adding these stopleak tablets every 15 to 20 thousand miles, whenever the leak would reappear.

I'm pondering if I should try this as a pre-emptive strike type of thing.

[surreal_awakening]

I personally wouldn't. I'd be inclined to believe that it would act alot like the other stopleak stuff on the market and gum up the heater core, etc. Those products always seemed to be more trouble than they were worth.

[CactusWill]

Theres a bunch of different products available, but I've never used any of them. The ones I was looking at, seemed like you had to add, run the car for awhile, then drain everything, wait for it to dry, and then refill. Something like that. Seems like alot of trouble for something that might work or might not work, your call.

[zzyzzx]

The more I research this, the more I'm thinking that any pre-emptive strike should consist of getting rid of Dex-Cool and replacing it with regular anti-freeze. At least that way I'll only have to keep one type of anti-freeze at home.

[CactusWill]

The telltale sign is sludge. Open up the radiator or reservoir cap and look for the sludge. I don't have it in mine, so its ok. But if you see or feel that sludge, then you'll know.

[cherrington17]

i didn't have sludge, but when i tore it apart.. there was a definite thinning/lack of gasket in some spots.

i pre-emptively killed mine with felpro gaskets. :thumb: