These tabs don't sound like a preventative, but like a Band-Aid to me. The
various components in the tabs are all prone to swelling in hot water, and
have differing sizes/modes of adhesion, making them perfect to quickly
"repair" leaking heads, if you are GM and call that a "repair".

On the flip side, these materials would be likely to build up in places you
don't want them, like your heater core, coolant valves, and radiator. If it
were me, I might throw a package of them in the glove compartment in case
you are stuck in Denio, Nevada and need a "quick fix". Other wise, just fix
the heads the right way: with bubble gum scotch tape, and bailing wire.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   David Hayward [SMTP:dhayward@ISLAND.NET]
Sent:   Wednesday, September 29, 1999 1:09 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Head leaks & a GM mechanics suggestion.

I was talking with a colleague of mine yesterday who is/was an experienced
GM mechanic. In discussing things VW and the headleaks that our beloved
wasser boxer's develop he mentioned a GM product that was commonly used in
the aluminum engines to deal with the "pitting" problems that those engines
were prone to.
The product is simply a GM COOLING SYSTEM SEAL TABS (part no. 1051687). The
make up (as shown on the back of the pkg) states it is made from GINGER,
ALMOND SHELL & BORIC ACID.

Do any of you engine experts know anything of this product or have any
experience with it ? It sound to me like it could be a decent
"preventative"
to use annually in the system ?....what say ? I spoke to my (experienced)
VW
mechanic & he was unaware of the product. I'm going to take him some and
(maybe) start using them in between semi-annual coolant changes.

Regards, David Hayward

71 Ghia Convert
88 Westy Syncro
89 Caravelle Carat
92 Passat Syncro