tomcad95 Posted March 14, 2010 Report Share Posted March 14, 2010 I read in a previous post that the 4.9 Engine requires coolant tablets. I was wondering why it requires the coolant tablets, and where they can be purchased. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 14, 2010 Report Share Posted March 14, 2010 The users manual says "Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) with any complete coolant flush and refill" It is used to prevent leaks due to casting porosity. The 4.9 has o-rings at the cylinder sleeves and it is used to stop leaking there They can be purchased at the dealer or some auto parts stores, they are made by GM and Bars Leak If you look at your shock tower you may find a label that details that it must be used Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted March 14, 2010 Report Share Posted March 14, 2010 You can also buy Bar's Leak Golden seal powder in tubes for about $1.44 at Wal-Mart. That stuff is made by the same company. Just remove the radiator cap (when engine is cold) and put the powder in the neck of the radiator slowly. Do not put it into expansion tank. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonjaab Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Even better..................Pull lower radiator hose and place tabs inside of it. Will mix better and get into engine block faster and more completely. 93 DeVille-13 Chevy Impala 72 GTO - 77 Triumph Bonneville 84 Z-28 Syracuse NY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddypete Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 I recall reading somewhere that the GM supplement tabs are not only to help seal small leaks but help prevent corrosion around the head bolts. What I don't recall if it was a reliable source that I read it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Info on using/not using tabs at My link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 On a 4.9, the benefits FAR exceed the risks of NOT using the tablets, the worst of which might be an occasional heater core flush needed. The 4.9 has cylinder sleeve o-rings, if they begin to leak, coolant will dilute the OIL and cause damage to the CAM lobes... They should be used on a 4.9 and 4100 and for an added measure of safety on the 4.6. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Personally I believe that because of the negative opinions against dexcool that floated around where brown sludge was created at the tank opening 'because of dexcool', GM stopped using the tablets to stop the complaints they received. Here is another point of view on the subject http://www.cadillacf...t-question.html Furthermore, this came from BILL, the guru's former name. The guru was a GM Northstar Powertrain Engineer and I trust him. The most important thing to remember is, while GM stopped using the coolant supplement at some point (97/98, I think), the change was not retroactive. It is recommended for all 4.X engines, as seen in Bill's narritive at this link http://www.caddyinfo...ntconfusion.htm Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted March 19, 2010 Report Share Posted March 19, 2010 I recall reading somewhere that the GM supplement tabs are not only to help seal small leaks but help prevent corrosion around the head bolts. What I don't recall if it was a reliable source that I read it. Head gaskets prevent corrosion around the bolts. The tabs are for porous aluminum castings and minor niusance leaks. Nothing more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted March 19, 2010 Report Share Posted March 19, 2010 I recall reading somewhere that the GM supplement tabs are not only to help seal small leaks but help prevent corrosion around the head bolts. What I don't recall if it was a reliable source that I read it. Head gaskets prevent corrosion around the bolts. The tabs are for porous aluminum castings and minor niusance leaks. Nothing more. There is a theory that bars leaks powder also decreases abrasive action of loose silicates on water pump seals. That theory may have some merit. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddypete Posted March 19, 2010 Report Share Posted March 19, 2010 Or forget the Dex-cool all together and use universal anti freeze. Look at this link below. When I had my radiator replaced my mechanic wanted to use universal anti freeze I told him stick to Dexi cool, he did but told me to research dexi-cool because he will no longer use it because there is strong proof that it does detriorate engine parts. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_dexcool_p3.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted March 19, 2010 Report Share Posted March 19, 2010 Or forget the Dex-cool all together and use universal anti freeze. Look at this link below. When I had my radiator replaced my mechanic wanted to use universal anti freeze I told him stick to Dexi cool, he did but told me to research dexi-cool because he will no longer use it because there is strong proof that it does detriorate engine parts. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_dexcool_p3.html I like the story where the guy was blaming his transmission failure on Dexcool and wanted GM to pay for the trans.... or the 3.1/3.4 engines with bad intake manifolds on Dexcool. Dexcool seems to be the scapegoat for other problems such as a poor EGR passage design on the 3.1/3.4 engine, etc. I wouldn't want to validate "universal" antifreeze in my cars. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 19, 2010 Report Share Posted March 19, 2010 I had to replace the intake manifold gaskets on my 3.1 Chevy and it was not caused by Dexcool, the gasket/seals were redesigned Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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