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Best Head Gasket Sealers – The TOP 5 Most Powerful Sealers You Can Get
Taking your car to a mechanic is such a chore. We all chase after anything that can save us, pun intended, from paying that visit, double-pun intended.
Blowing a head gasket is one of the most painful visits of all but fear not, it can be avoided! Thanks to the genius who created head gasket repairs, whoever he is, the best head gasket sealer can fix that problem for you from the safety of your garage.
The best head gasket sealers basically, well, seal any gaps in your gasket. They effectively put an end to any leakage caused by the blown gasket and, bam, your car is running again!
Want to find out which are the best? Ready, set, go!
A Summary of Our Top Pick
Long story short, our favorite head gasket sealer is Bar’s Leak HG-1 Head Seal. It’s very high-quality, gets the job done, and can do more than meets the eye.
HG-1 is technically a head gasket sealer, but it can be used to seal various leaks. It can also prevent overheating.
This sealant is also easy to use and takes very little time to give results.
5 Best Head Gasket Sealers Reviews
We have compiled some head gasket stop leak reviews with your car’s well-being in mind. You can also find the main features of each product in the comparison table.
Bar’s Leak HG-1 Head Seal – Best Overall
Whether your head gasket is blown, leaking or your cylinder head is cracked, Bar’s Leak HG-1 Head Seal can fix it for you. Bar’s Leak is one of the pioneers when it comes to leak-repair. It’s got you covered.
HG-1 makes its way into your head gasket, finds the damage, and fills it up. The carbon fiber then dries up, forming a seal, preventing any leakage. Some might say this sealer is a better option than fixing your head gasket.
This sealer can also help you if you have radiator leaks, leaking freeze, coolant leaks, heater cores, and even engine blocks. Its versatility makes it very practical to have. You never know when you might need it.
The formula of HG-1 has a unique blend of antifreeze compatible sodium silicate. This contributes to the integrity of the sealant.
It also contains Xtreme Cool, which means that you don’t have to flush out the whole coolant system in order to be able to apply the sealer. Xtreme Cool puts an end to overheating and helps in reducing the water temperature.
The container contains 33.8 ounces. This amount should be used to treat cooling systems that range between 10 quarts and 20 quarts. If your system is bigger than that, use 1 bottle per 5 gallons capacity.
What We Like
- You don’t have to drain the coolant system
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to use
- Long-term solution
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Can’t be used with engine oil or gas tanks
Here’s an easy-to-understand technical overview of the Bar’s Leaks head gasket stop leak solution.
K-Seal Ultimate Permanent Head Gasket Repair – Best Quick Solution
K-Seal is another widely popular sealant. With only 3 different products, it has quite a reputation. A lot of people swear by its success rates.
To give you some peace of mind, K-Seal Ultimate has passed ASTM standards. They recognized it as an efficient, effective product.
This recipe is the improved K-Seal original. It’s made with head gaskets in mind. Its sealing strength is 33% more powerful than its original sealer.
Leaking radiator, water pump casing, heater core, freeze plug are all issues you can fix with this sealer. It’s not only for head gaskets.
The most impressive thing about this sealant is that it’s effective only within 3-5 minutes once the correct temperature is reached! It’s by far the fastest solution.
Speaking of fast, you don’t have to worry about draining your coolant. K-Seal Ultimate is freeze-proof. If it mixes with antifreeze, nothing happens! Well, it still seals your leak but that’s about it.
All it takes is a good, 30-second shake and you’re ready to pour. Pour it in your radiator, or your overflow for that matter, and get your car to the correct temperature. Wait for 5 minutes, just to be safe and test the result!
This bottle is for use on cars, SUVs and small trucks. If your vehicle is larger, make sure to buy two bottles.
On the off chance that you purchase it and it doesn’t work for you, K-Seal offers refunds if the product doesn’t work.
What We Like
- Warranty
- Long-term solution
- You don’t have to drain the coolant system
- Superfast
- Cold or hot engine compatible
- Can be used in the overflow tank
What We Don’t Like
- Might not work if the system is over-pressurized
- Doesn’t work on severely damaged gaskets
Here is a video demonstrating the way it works:
ATP AT-205 Re-Seal – Best For Multiple Uses
ATP Re-seal is one of the sealers with the high reviews out there. Why not? It’s a great sealant. It has just enough strength to put an end to leaks.
The formula contains a type of chemical, plasticizer, that is used on rubber to strengthen it. In fact, many gaskets are actually made of plasticizer. This means that AT-205 is strong enough to seal the deal.
It blends well with oil, meaning its effectiveness won’t be hindered by it. Whether it’s conventional, synthetic, hydraulic, or even gear oil, it won’t be a problem.
Another distinctive feature with this sealer is that, as the name suggests, it can be used to reseal. This isn’t possible with most sealers. Thanks to the absence of petroleum distillates, AT-205 can be applied over old sealants to revitalize their effect.
Time isn’t an issue here, it’ll give you great results within a couple of hours. Five hours, to be exact; this is how long it takes to dry. Compare that to the time you’ll invest in going to the mechanic and you’ll find that it’s almost nothing.
Unlike most other sealers out there, this one is not toxic. You don’t have to wear gloves and go through safety measures to use it. Simply open, pour, and that’s it.
One bottle of ATP Re-seal, which is 8 ounces, should be used for a capacity of 6 quarts. This is the recommended ratio, as per ATP. Make sure you calculate the amount your vehicle needs before you buy it.
The how-to is easy with this one. Once you have got your measures right, pour the contents where you would normally pour oil or fluids. Wait for the recommended period of time, and that’s it.
What We Like
- Not toxic
- Works if applied over old sealants
- Universal compatibility
- Easy to use
- Very budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Might not work on transmission leaks
- Can’t be used with break leaks
- Doesn’t work when there is large damage
How does AT-205 work? How to use it? This video will explain that (and more):
Permatex Indian Head – Best Quality
Permatex is one of the best companies when it comes to gasket makers. It only makes sense that their sealants are just as good.
Indian Head is perhaps the most ideal of many sealants when it comes to head gaskets. As you can see from the name, it’s kind of its specialty.
While Indian Head is also a liquid sealant, it works a bit differently. It’s specially crafted to coat most gaskets, as well as seal, and repair them. It can be applied to gaskets made of paper, rubber, felt, and even composition type gaskets.
What makes Indian Head one of the most ideal sealers is that it’s resistant to diesel fuels and most of the fluids inside your car. What does this mean? It means that nothing can hold it back from doing its job.
This product is a shellac compound; it’s hard-setting. Once you use enough thickness, it’s there to stay.
Indian Head should be used between temperatures -65 and 350 Fahrenheit. The best part is that you don’t need to go through the pain of cooling your car then heating it up.
When it comes to application, this sealer is applied with a brush directly onto your gasket. All you need is to make sure your gasket is dry.
What We Like
- High quality
- Can be used with any gasket
- Works with all gasket materials
- Can be used to bond gaskets together
- Very budget-friendly
- You don’t have to drain the coolant system
What We Don’t Like
- You must take out gasket to apply
BlueDevil Pour-N-Go Head Gasket Sealer
BlueDevil, available right here, is perhaps the most commonly used gasket repair. It’s a legit company that has been in the business for a long time.
BlueDevil’s original gasket sealer’s success has prompted them to cook up this blend. Why? To eliminate a very inconvenient step and that is flushing out your coolant. Pour-N-Go doesn’t require you to do that. Now, it can mix with the coolant without any trouble.
Bluedevil repairs and seals heater cores, freeze plugs, cooling system leaks, in addition to head gaskets.
This formula is easy and quick to use. You simply start her up while she’s cold and turns your heater up as high as it goes. While it’s on idle, start pouring BlueDevil in the radiator slowly.
Once your cap is back on the radiator, leave your vehicle idle for 50 minutes. That’s it!
The 16-ounce bottle should be used with engines of 4 and 6 cylinders. If your vehicle is larger than that, you might want to buy 2 bottles instead of the one.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Quick solution
- Safe to use with gas and diesel engines
- Long-term results
- Multi-purpose
What We Don’t Like
- Overpriced
- Some users claim it clogged their engine
Things You Might Want to Know Before Buying a Head Gasket Stop Leak
There are some things that you should probably be aware of before making a decision.
Why Buy A Head Gasket Sealer?
Are you questioning your decision? Let’s make it easier for you.
Saves Money
If you don’t already know this, buying a new head gasket costs a lot of money. Wouldn’t you prefer to save that money? That is, of course, if you have a couple of hundred dollars to spare.
Imagine going to a mechanic, buying a new head gasket only to discover that the culprit is a tiny gap that is almost indistinguishable. Such a tiny gap is exactly what head gasket sealers are for.
You can spend less than a hundred bucks, maybe even less than twenty bucks, on a head gasket liquid repair. If it can possibly spare you a large sum of money, what’s the harm in trying?
Practical to Use
Head gasket sealants offer you the chance to fix your car from the comfort of your home. No need to haul your car to a mechanic.
You can simply kick back on your couch and order it online, along with some groceries while you’re at it.
Taking your car to someone is time-consuming. Chances are you’re going to leave it with them to find the right parts and fix.
Ordering a sealant online saves you time and effort. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can have your sealer within one day. It takes a few hours to work its magic and you’re good to go.
This is a great option if you need your car urgently. It’s a quick, effective, and easy fix.
Versatile to Have
A lot of head gasket sealers are actually multi-purpose. You can use them with all sorts of leaks, other than a head gasket. Some can even be used to prevent fuel leaking. Make sure you pick a sealant that’s fuel resistant, just in case.
Top Brands
Do you want to get to know some of the pioneers in gasket sealers? Let’s go.
Bar’s Leaks
Bar’s Leaks has had one mission since it came to business 70 years ago, and that is to spare people their money. They offer fixes that enable you to fix problems for way money and have been doing so since 1947.
Dedicated to putting an end to all sorts of car leaks, they offer more than head gasket sealers. If you’re facing problems with engine oil leaks, cooling systems, transmission, or even power steering, they might have just what you need.
This company has been working hard to provide solutions for anyone. You don’t need to be a car-addict to use their products.
In fact, if you face any difficulty, make sure to check out their how-to videos. They will walk you through using their products, ensuring the best outcomes.
Got a question? They’re quite easy to reach! You can contact them using either their contact information or even their Facebook page. Convenient, right?
K-Seal
K-Seal is a company that is solely focused on fixing leakage. They are completely invested in offering a permanent fix for leakage.
K-Seal pride themselves in fixing leaks that include the radiator, heater matrix, water pump, and head gaskets, of course.
With only 3 products, they constantly work on improving their formula.
K-Seal is an award-winning brand. In 2012, they received the Professional Motor Mechanic Top Product Award.
ATP
Since 1955, Automotive Technology Products has been in the market of automatic transmission parts. It has grown to develop transmission kits, repair kits, and even cabin air filters and chemicals.
ATP introduced its own line in 2001. The Graywerks line includes various exhaust, engine and transmission pans, harmonic balancers, and more. It proved even more successful, and the company grew even more.
Permatex
When it comes to chemicals and automotive repairs, Permatex definitely knows what they’re doing. They make top-of-the-line products that are widely recognized for their effectiveness.
They have had years to perfect their formulas. Having started in 1909, Permatex tailors their products to fit their customers’ needs as well as comfort. It all started with a bicycle shellac design.
They now pioneer the market of gasket makers that can actually be used to replace some gaskets. In fact, they have been perfecting their Form-A-Gasket recipe since 1936.
Permatex is currently exporting its products to over 85 countries worldwide. It’s also operational in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
BlueDevil
BlueDevil is one of the most well-known names in the sealant industry. They are currently the suppliers of more than 400 distribution centers all over America.
BlueDevil has appeared on the automotive market in 1997. One of the earlier anti-leakage producers, they have had years of experience to add to and improve their products.
This company offers solutions to various types of leakage, such as transmission, rear main, oil, cooler, radiator, and more. Their impressive products also include flushes and system cleaners, which come in pretty handy.
Tips on Choosing the Best Stop Leak for Your Head Gasket
We have taken these things into consideration while preparing this cheat sheet, but some factors you need to determine for yourself.
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Quick Dry
Some gasket sealants out there take forever to dry, which defies the purpose of them being time-saving. Make sure your choice is quick-drying, to avoid wasting time.
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Versatility
It’s a smart choice to opt for a sealant that has several uses. This could come in handy. You never know when you’ll have a leak. This way, you’ll always be prepared.
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Quantity
Don’t make the mistake of purchasing the container blindly, or you can end up with the wrong amount.
Read closely how much is required for which sized vehicles. The larger your vehicle is, the more sealant you’ll likely need. Calculate the amount you’ll need first.
Some containers are too large so you could end up with a ridiculous amount. Others are too small, which means you could be forced to buy more than one pack.
How to Use Head Gasket Sealers
It’s important to use the sealants correctly, or else you risk damaging your car.
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Car Temperature
The first step is that you make sure your car is cold. Any heat could ruin the process by curing the sealer too soon.
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Drain Antifreeze
Some sealers require that you get rid of the coolant prior to the application of sealant.
Read the instructions on your product to be sure. If it’s one of these products, drain the antifreeze from your cooling system and overflow tank.
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Pre-Application
If your sealer requires mixing it with water, this is where you do that. Follow the instructions closely to know the water-sealant ratio. Try to be very precise when doing this step, to guarantee the best possible effect.
Some people just fill up the radiator with water and add the sealer to it. It’s better to be safe and read the exact instructions of the manufacturers.
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Apply Sealer
It’s application time. Open your radiator and pour the mixture inside it carefully.
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Start Her Up
Startup your vehicle and heat it up well. Make sure to go back to your instructions, in case there’s anything extra. The most important thing is that you keep your car running for the required period of time and with enough heat to allow your sealant to cure.
You’re good to go!
FAQs
Got questions on your mind? We’ve got the answers prepped for you as well.
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How do I know if my head gasket is blown?
One of the most identifiable signs of a blown head gasket is leakage. This can be either oil or coolant leaking due to cracks in the head gasket.
If your exhaust pipe has white smoke coming out of it, that’s another smoke signal, another pun, for a blown head gasket.
Overheating is another symptom, as well as bubbles coming out of the radiator. All of these things combined probably mean your head gasket is, in fact, blown.
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Does a head gasket sealer fix the head gasket?
Head gasket sealers are definitely a solution to a blown head gasket, but they don’t fix the gasket per se.
The sealer basically finds the gap and seals it. This means that it does fix the problem itself, preventing leakage. However, it doesn’t actually fix the gasket; it only fixes the problem.
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How long does the best liquid head gasket repair last?
There’s no way of estimating how long it will last. There are numerous factors, such as the materials of the gasket, the quality and compatibility of the sealant, the amount of damage of the gasket, and how correctly the sealer was applied.
With some people, it has lasted for years. Others claim it lasted a few weeks only.
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Are head gasket stop leak products safe for the engine?
Head gasket stop leak products should not do any damage to your engine. Unless they are applied incorrectly, they should be safe for your car.
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Is a head gasket sealer a permanent solution for a blown gasket?
While they are effective, head gasket sealers aren’t permanent. They can last a long time, maybe for years even, but they still are a temporary fix.
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How do liquid head gasket repair products work?
The liquid fits in the cracks and breaks in the gasket. Once you turn on the engine and heat up your car, the liquid cures in these gaps. It plugs them, preventing any leakage to take place.
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Can I use a gasket maker and sealer to fix my head gasket?
While gasket makers technically do create gaskets, manufacturers warn against using them to replace head gaskets.
Whether or not they can be used instead of a sealer, however, goes back to the product itself. Most products aren’t recommended to be used as sealers. Those that can be used to seal head gaskets, however, are trickier to apply.
Due to their thicker composition, since most of them are made of silicon, they would have to be applied directly to the gasket. Consequently, you would need to take out your gasket, dry it completely, before applying the gasket maker.
Where to Buy the Best Head Gasket Sealers?
You’ve probably made up your mind by now and all there is left to do is hit that buy button, right? Here’s what we suggest.
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Amazon
Admit it, we all spend more time than we would like to admit shopping from Amazon. Well, why wouldn’t we? It’s one of the most, if not the most trustworthy websites out there. Not to mention the immense variety of gasket sealers it offers.
Who can say no to Amazon when it offers free shipping? If you’re a Prime member, you probably know the sheer joy of ordering something and receiving it the next day for zero expenses. Who else has that?
Feeling regretful is rare when you’re dealing with Amazon, thanks to how easy it is to return products. Just send it back, they don’t mind.
Besides, what are the chances of regretting a purchase you made with all of the customer reviews? Not only do you get to read what other people thought of their products, but you can also see the pictures they have uploaded.
If you’re uncertain of whether that product is a good fit for you or not, ask away. You can ask the community and even the manufacturers themselves your questions. They will get to you shortly.
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Manufacturer
Going straight to the source is definitely a good choice as well. If there is something wrong with your purchase, you won’t have to go through the lengths of proving where you bought it from.
Buying products from manufacturers now means paying for them at a full price, unless they’re on sale. Most products are almost always on discount on Amazon, so you might end up paying more.
Manufacturers usually ship products with standard shipping. This means that unless you pay for expedited shipping, you might have to wait about a week for your product to reach you.
Best Head Gasket Sealers – The Bottom Line
When it comes to the best head gasket sealer out there, opinions vary. Now, you can find the fit that works best for you.
If we have a say in your choice, we would root for Bar’s Leak HG-1 Head Seal. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Its results are probably the most reliable of the five.
If it’s too costly for you, the runner-up would be K-Seal Ultimate Head Gasket Repair. It’s pretty impressive when it comes to speed, effectiveness, and versatility.
Congratulations, you’re a mini-mechanic now!
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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