Over Heating
Engine Block Sealer Additive Advice for Blown Head Gasket
By Austin Davis
Dec 28, 2006, 15:21

Reader Question

Dear Austin, I saw your answer to someone below
after searching for a good block sealer: "If they DO suspect a blown head gasket or cracked block you might want to try a can of K&W Engine Block Seal additive you can buy at your local auto supply. Drain out the coolant, add the can of
additive to your radiator and drive the car for about 500 miles, then drain out the water/additive and install the proper mix of coolant and water to the radiator.

I have had great success with this method. WARNING - there will be NO freeze or overheating protecting during this time, since there is no coolant in the radiator.

" I have been having symptoms of a blown head gasket , getting white smoke from the tailpipe, smells like anti-freeze, boiling overflow bottle that has a gas or oil smell.

I have used "KW Block Sealer" (problem came back) then, "Cargo Seal-Up" both and still the problem came back. What caught my eye was you mentioned leaving the sealer in the vehicle and driving 500 miles.

I have followed the manufacturers instructions on both products by letting the vehicle cool and then re-filling
> with new anti-freeze. Maybe I should do as you have done and run the vehicle with the (sealer and water only mix) for 500 miles? Will it run that much more hot do you think? (I live in central Florida).


Any help would be appreciate, as I am not wanting to junk the vehicle but cant keep using these sealers and have them fail either. Thanks much for any suggestions, Matt




Hey there Matt

I have had great success using the K&W block sealer as I mentioned, but not as the manufacturer suggests. You should
be fine for 500 miles living in Florida. Keep me posted as to what happens. MAKE SURE YOU DRAIN ALL COOLANT FROM THE SYSTEM FIRST.

1. Product name is K&W Engine Block Sealer (available at auto parts stores everywhere)

2. Remove ALL coolant from the radiator and engine

3. Add can of sealer to radiator and top off with water only

4. Drive vehicle for at least 500 miles

5. Drain out sealer and water mixture and install proper coolant and water mix to radiator

YOU WILL NOT HAVE FREEZE OR BOIL OVER (overheating) PROTECTION DURING THIS 500 MILES!!!

Park vehicle in a warm garage at night during freezing temperatures and watch your temperature gauge in summer months at idle.


Reader update



Just a quick note Austin to say thank you again. The 1995 Ford Escort is working fine after leaving the KW Blocksealer in for 1000 miles. I then drained and flushed and filled with 50/50 anti-freeze.

Will keep ya posted!

Blessings to you for all your help,

Matt



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