This topic comes up allot and there allot of list members are really split
on its use. Some swear by it and some curse at it. What I have gathered
though is you need to add it to just the coolant surrounding the engine
because, yes, it has been known to clog heaters.  In the archives somewhere
(or someone can chime in) are instructions for adding the Bars stuff to the
coolant and doing so while the engine is cold up until the thermostat opens
and allows the coolant to flow through the rest of the vehicle, which is
what you don't want.

Bryan

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mark A Kippert
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 12:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Head gasket leaking. Bummer.

I've had a few off-list recommendations to use Bars stop leak as it
worked well with their particular leak. I'm guessing this stuff will
work OK without plugging up heater cores etc? I've purchased a bottle
but haven't put it in yet. If I can stop the leak for a while it will
give me time to get my parts van home and check out the engine.

The guy I bought it from had rebuilt the engine (it has under 200
miles on it) but had problems with the lifters not pumping up. If I
can resolve that I may just do an engine swap. He indicated that he
didn't do anything with the original oil pump. Maybe it's not putting
out enough pressure for the rebuilt components.

Mark K
1986 GL 2WD

On Jan 22, 2009, at 11:56 PM, Mark A Kippert wrote:

> snip
>
> Is it time to rebuild?
>
> Any thoughts on how long this will take to become a full blown gusher?
> Will it? Should I stop driving it? As far as I can tell no coolant is
> getting into the cylinder as there is no increase in white vapor in
> the exhaust (nor the sick sweet smell).
>
> I'm really bummed as I had hope to go to my first Vanagon outing in
> February, the Busses by the Beach BRR. I'm afraid to leave indy now,
> let alone drive two and a half hours.
>
> Mark K
> 1986 GL 2WD