Coolant System "Stop Leak" Products?

[Ber]

I have some symptoms of a bad heater core in my Blazer.

-antifreeze smell in interior
-windshield fogging up like no other

In a slight bind as I was planning a trip for the weekend around 250 miles.. So far there are no wet spots on the carpet so I'm thinking it is a pretty small leak. I don't want the leak getting any worse, so I'm hesitant to drive it this weekend.

I came across a coolant leak stopper product called Bars Leak's Liquid Aluminum https://mechanicguides.com/best-radiator-stop-leaks/.

Any mags have experience with this product or similar ones?

The good reviews heavily out number the bad, but the bad have me nervous to use this stuff.

[Urbish]

I've used Bar's Leak in a number of older vehicles over the years. I would agree that you have a hole in the heater core. I haven't used the liquid aluminum product, but have used the stuff the looks like brown jelly beans in brown liquid with great success. A product like this will likely get you through your trip, but you'll want to replace that heater core as soon as you can afterward (assuming the vehicle is worth the investment). I would also bring along some hose clamps, a few gallons of coolant, and a utility knife in case the heater core blows during the trip. You can eliminate the heater core from the circuit temporarily to at least get you to a convenient place so long as you can get there without your windows freezing up.

[BigBill]

American motors had a stop leak product we fixed cracked heads in new cars. It was the best we ever used I wonder if jeep still offers it.

[Frozenstate]

Prestone super sealer is the only one that ever worked for me.

[ntrenn]

Gm sells seal tablets. They work on every dexcool vehicle I have...and regular coolant vehicles too...saved more than 1 heated core with them. They are about $5 and you only need a couple of tablets to do the trick.

[Cubfriend]

I have some symptoms of a bad heater core in my Blazer.

-antifreeze smell in interior
-windshield fogging up like no other

In a slight bind as I was planning a trip for the weekend around 250 miles.. So far there are no wet spots on the carpet so I'm thinking it is a pretty small leak. I don't want the leak getting any worse, so I'm hesitant to drive it this weekend.

I came across a coolant leak stopper product called Bars Leak's Liquid Aluminum.

Any mags have experience with this product or similar ones?

The good reviews heavily out number the bad, but the bad have me nervous to use this stuff.

You probably have already done this but just in case you haven’t, check all of the clamps on your heater core hoses. In cold weather the rubber shrinks and the clamps need tightened up. The antifreeze could be shooting in on the outside of the heater core when you build up pressure on the cooling system. Good Luck!

[jsfarmall]

Bars is good stuff. Have used it in multiple applications.