Cooling System Additive?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Cooling System Additive?
I recently visited one of the Northstar forums where a supposedly knowledgeable person recommended the GM sealant additive # 3634621 be added to the Northstar cooling system after flushing when putting in new Dexcool. He claimed that this is necessary to seal the coolant passages of aluminum engines, especially where a leak-through would put coolant into the oil system. Seems to make sense, but when you look at the owner's manual coolant recomendations for our aluminum LS1 series of engines, it says, "... you don't have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful."
Do you think the LS1 aluminum is better and not as porous as the Northstar's aluminum?
He also mentioned that the GM addtive is a Bars Leak product. When checking their website, they claim all of their Bars Leak coolant additives are compatible with the old conventional green antifreezes and the new red/yellow OAT antifreeze, which sounds like Dexcool.
Any comments form knowledgeable Corvette Forum members?
Do you think the LS1 aluminum is better and not as porous as the Northstar's aluminum?
He also mentioned that the GM addtive is a Bars Leak product. When checking their website, they claim all of their Bars Leak coolant additives are compatible with the old conventional green antifreezes and the new red/yellow OAT antifreeze, which sounds like Dexcool.
Any comments form knowledgeable Corvette Forum members?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 13
From: Raleigh NC
Never.........
had an issue or leak. If I did have a leak, it was with what I thought was water pump. Turned out when I did a thermostat upgrade, the rubber hose didn't sit right. There was some sealant around the nozzle, I clean it & added a little around the neck.
I've done several flushings w/o any problems or additives. I wouldn't use a sealant due to the fact I believe it may clog. We share some parts, put not all. Won't!
I've done several flushings w/o any problems or additives. I wouldn't use a sealant due to the fact I believe it may clog. We share some parts, put not all. Won't!
