K-Seal - As good as claimed?

[PiperCub]

As per the title - does K-Seal actually work as well as is claimed by the marketing prose?

 

I appreciate it's a case of 'Treating the symptom not curing the problem' which I'm against as would rather fix the fault and be done but I'm on to a local K-series engined car (1. that's all good, very cheap but has suspected HGF despite it being replaced apparantly (I'm guessing - not replaced very well or done on the cheap). With this in mind, I was wondering if a can of K-Seal would probably sort this issue out in the short term at least so I've got a hack while I search for a better winter car.

 

Comments positive/negative/it works/it's crap etc and experiences - pref first hand if poss.

[Partridge]

When my at-the-time housemate's Metro blew its gasket, the garage she took it to recommended K-Seal as "sticking plaster" until she had the money to fix it. It lasted for at least three months, because she flogged it at that point. She sold it to a friend, who had it nicked soon after so god knows how long it would have lasted.

[dave21478]

I have used K-Seal to good effect in a few cars over the years with leaks in various parts of the cooling systems. Never in a K series engine though. iirc its a myth that it was developed to treat the K series head gasket problems. Its just a general leak stopper and a pretty good one IMO.

[skattrd]

I've used it to good effect once, and no effect twice.

[PiperCub]

I suspected it is just a good leak-stopper but I'm only after a temporary solution so it may fly. That's why I thought I'd canvass some opinion.

 

If it did 'Fix' H/G's as well as is claimed/implied then it follows that garages would be very seldom having to change them as a bottle of this stuff would sort it out for a fraction of the cost & hassle.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I would never use this stuff. It may well have a positive effect on a short term basis,but that is as much as you could reasonably expect it to do. That means every time you set off somewhere you'd be wondering if this wad the journey when it finally let go. That's just no good if you actually need to make it to your destination. It compromises the whole point of having a car surely.

[PiperCub]

Agreed, wouldn't want to use it in anything of any value, sort the problem out properly otherwise.

 

Being cynical by nature, I never quite trust a lot of these wonderful claims (What is permenent exactly?) so tend to avoid such products as a rule.

 

Don't like the idea of anything alien washing around either cooling or oil systems. But on a cheapo disposable hack as in this case, I'm considering giving it a go.

[Junkman]

K-Seal is made by the devil and should be avoided at all cost.

It does more harm than good.

 

The stuff to use instead is called Novastop: http://www.novatio.be/en/product/novastop-radiator

Contrary to K-Seal, it actually works, and doesn't clog up half of your radiator.

 

Never ever use K-Seal!

[sierraman]

Used it several times to good effect most recently on a leaking thermostat housing, 10 months in still holding. I wouldn't use it on a blown head gasket though.

[mat_the_cat]

I can only speak from my experience, but I've used K Seal in the van around 5 years ago as it was loosing water slowly, with no clue as to where. At the time I had next to no money, so thought I'd give it a go. The best guess at the problem was a crack in the head, as these engines are known for it, although I had no overheating or pressurisation.

 

It's still OK now, and I have no evidence of blocked radiator or matrix. I've had other short term experience of fixing leaking radiators, but nothing else long term.

 

I have never heard of anyone who's successfully used it on a failed HG before, but several who haven't. Plus I've seen photos of it clogging up a heater valve, so would advise using with caution.

[lisbon_road]

I have used it once on a Vauxhall Viva which had a minor persistent leak, just seeping from the head on one side.  No other adverse effects.  Stayed when head gasket changed.  Seemed to solve problem.

 

Know someone who used it on a Corsa, the twin cam chain type, with a head gasket proper gone and he said it fixed it fine.  Not something I would try.

 

That's my experience.

[Wackeldackel]

When my Peugeot 406 hdi head gasket was on the way out last year I tried k seal. The engine was sucking in air and blowing all the water out of the expansion tank on an alarmingly regular basis. Tried a bottle of k seal, figuring spend £8 now to potentially save £800 before I flog the car. I followed the directions to pour it in the expansion tank, which in hindsight was a bad idea, and ended up with the left side of the engine bay covered in shiny bronzy coloured k seal and antifreeze, a bugger to clean up. Might be worth a try if you take off the thermostat housing and tip it straight in there, might be better in your situation.

[PiperCub]

Mmmm, from the above concensus, think I'll give it a miss.

Thanks all