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#1 Bars leaks

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 10:16 am
by Stevemorris
Morning all, possibly not one for technical but maybe?

I will be flushing the then refilling and the cooling system on the car at the weekend after fitting a new header tank and otter switch.

I have managed to get some Bluecol and I remember’back in the day’ we always added a bars leaks to the system as well.

Does anyone else do this still or do you use just blue ol and water?

I have very soft water at home as well as we have a softener fitted. I am thinking softer water is also better for the system as well??

Thanks all, Steve.

#2 Re: Bars leaks

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 11:38 am
by mgcjag
Hi Steve...yes bars leaks was used from the factory....personally I fill with plain water...run it a few times and check and give any leaks....if u can't fix them then add your choice of sealant....when I have no leaks I drain down and refill with coolant.....distilled water and bluecol....Steve

#3 Re: Bars leaks

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 1:59 pm
by TGN
A water softener adds salt to your water. I guess it’s an option though

#4 Re: Bars leaks

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 4:10 pm
by bitsobrits
A chemist friend recommends reverse osmosis (RO) purified water for engines with aluminum (aluminium :bigrin:) and specifically against 'softened' water, due to the ionization brought on by the salt in a typical softener system.

In the U.S. at least, RO water is easy to find in gallon jugs at most grocery outlets and many convenience stores.

I generally use RO water, but will just use tap water (from my outdoor non-softened hose taps) in a pinch.