Do any of you guys add the coolant conditioner (stop leak) after installing new head gaskets? I used Genuine Subaru gaskets in the change, just wondering what is commonly done. The subaru web site said at 35k they put it in the system, started leaking 120k. I don't like the stuff, but will add it if needed.

 

 

 

Thanks,

G

When my HGs were done at about 115K I was told (by the dealer mechanic) to continue to use it.

I have used bar's leak on a forester ej25d(dual ohc) to fix a pinhole leak in the radiator. We bypassed the heater core for this, and b=changed with new coolant afterard.

 

There was a 98 outback with bubbles in the coolant, no overheats, and the sodium silicate stuff fixed that.

 

From new, the best defense against HG problems in newer engines with MLS gaskets is regular coolant changes. Much like the zinc rod in a water heater, the zincs int eh coolant are designed to corrode instead of the gaskets as dissimilar metals will produce an electrolytic action.

 

The zinc rod in a water heater is supposed to be replaced as maintenance, and if not, the housing of the water heater rusts out. Same goes for coolant and dissimilar metals.

yes - it's required by Subaru. it's still used even in their newer engines and the newer coolant. use it.