Head gasket leak

[rcb280z]

So my 77 has a head gasket leak on both sides of the head. Been leaking for several years. Not bad, just kinda seeping until recently. Seems to be leaking a little more now, I think. Think its time to do something about it. But I'm not ready to remove the head and replace the gasket. Does anyone NOT recommend stop leak additives and if so, why? I hear it can plug other passages. But what are my odds of that happening? My cooling system is in great shape. Very clean. Coolant in the Aluminum rad and overflow bottle is very clean looking. Don't see any debris of any kind. Not sure if that matters when putting an additive in. If I have to pull the head I'm going to feel obligated to do other things as well, not ready for that either. Guess I'm looking for a bandage and not a band aid so to speak until later this year when I can possibly have the time to remove the head.

Was going to take a couple pics but cant find the camera! Guess you know what I'm doing next.

Thanks for your input.

Edited April 22, 2014 by rcb280z

[madkaw]

I have heard more pros then cons on the additives. It's more of a matter whether it will fix the problem then doing damage. IMHO I would give it a shot!

[Zed Head]

It worked for me on a bigger leak at the back of the head. Mine actually dripped down the back of the engine while warming up. If you just have seepage, the odds are good. Bar's seems to be the popular one.

[rcb280z]

Yea, I looked online and found Bars aluma seal I believe its called. $8 and if it works that is a cheap "bandage". Here are the pics.

[rcb280z]

Here is a good pic of the gasket. If you zoom in and pan to the right you can see the gasket looks mangled. Hope the stop leak helps.

[rcb280z]

Zed, do you remember which one you used? Bar's has so many and they range from $4-$60. They have one specific to head gaskets but for a "blown" head gasket. Mine is not blown so I think I may go with the "alumaseal" one.

[Zed Head]

Sorry, but I can't remember exactly which I used. It only worked for a while then extruded itself out of the leak area, leaving a small mound of stop-leak at the spot. I should have mentioned that before.

Have you been on the web site? They have a guide, based on leak type. Click on Cooling under Not sure .... Good luck, I see that yours has been dribbling for a while, based on the stain pattern.

Bar's Leaks & Rislone - Premium Automotive Chemicals

[rcb280z]

Yeah as a matter of fact I am going with the Liquid aluminum product. Thanks for the info.

I'm going to try it and if it fails well......

[TheGrimOne]

How did that work out for you ? mine is weeping a bit also but the gasket looks to be in decent shape.

[SMAZCO]

Any word on this, mine is doing the same thing. Why does this happen so often?