As the title says, has anyone heard of K-Seal? Pro's/Cons?

My wife's 03 R50 has a leaking head gasket. The Mechanic said it will cost about $1600 to fix it at the most. However, he also said that the nearest machine shop is backed up by 3 days and to add K-Seal to the engine as a temp fix.e then said that Coopers are built to look and ride good but aren't made to last very long without some kind of problem. I've heard this before about my R53. The supercharger is good for about 100k miles.

What ever happened to "quality"?

-Thanks in advance.

 

Re: Your mechanic is an opinionated d-bag. There are plenty of MINIs with over 100k and 200k miles on them. On the forums you hear about everyone's troubles but there are over 450,000 MINIs on the road in the U.S. alone- what gets posted online is a fraction of those in great shape. My '06 R53 ran like a top without any problems that weren't user-error. How many major issues have you had with your wife's 03?

Anyway, to answer your question, K-Seal is a "Permanent Coolant Leak Repair". I have not used it myself but hear about it now and then. The theme of online reviews is that it works great but despite the name is *not* permanent. Not bad for a short-term solution. (Google "k-seal reviews") Also, $1600 to fix a head gasket seems kind of steep. Is that in U.S. currency? Lastly, advice you didn't ask for: Perhaps you can source a new piece from an auto wrecker's yard? (I also think you need a new mechanic but that's *my* opinion).

I wish you the best in getting your wife's car back on the road.

 

+1 on the mechanic

Re; K seal - I've seen it used successfully on minor radiator leaks and questionable small gasket issues. On a head gasket, save your ca$h and apply it towards getting head gasket replaced. K seal turns to a "soupy mud" when mixed w/coolant and will plug up any small coolant lines/hoses.

Shop around for a Mini specialty shop & a better qualified mechanic.

 

I understand your stance on Mini's. My R53 has 198k on it w/ minor replacements here/there. Nothing too big. I would change out the gasket myself and send the head to a machine shop if I could but I have searched and searched for a "how to" on this with no luck. The $1600 is for machining, labor, gasket, plugs, cleaning heads, etc. My wife has 70k on her Cooper and we are both shocked that this could happen.

The Quote that you are responding to is actually from the Mini dealer -shop guy who quoted us $2500 plus any "unknowns".

If anyone knows of a "how to" on this PLEASE feel free to send them over.

 

Don't use it. It can clog other things like the heater core. Then you will have additional items to repair and fix. Get it done right the 1st time. Just my opinion.

 

Thats the problem. The mechanic was told by the machine shop that he must wait 3 or 4 days before getting it back. Whats the alternative?

 

Order a reman one. I got my from http://www.headsonly.com/ great price great service and 1 year warranty. Then once the reman is installed you can send the old one back.

 

Rent a car for 3 days....simple.

 

+1

 

I would have to third or fourth what has been said about your mechanic. Forget the sealant additive: it will only cause you more problems. secondly, even if your head is warped (which is not too common), the fix should be half of what you were quoted.

 

yes, it's listed in the dictionary under "snakeoil"

scott

 

I was looking at that site but could not find anything for a Mini. What did you order?

 

A reman head. Give them a call.

 

How much did you pay for yours?