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

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