Coolant loss

[waynetd]

I have a 98 chevy ext-cab Z71 with the 5.7L. A recent oil analysis showed elevated levels of Potassium in the oil, which the analysis place indicated coolant was getting in and the coolant level in the overflow tank is going down. The cooling system was pressure tested and checked okay and a dye was put in the coolant which has not shown up in the oil.

 

I suspect the intake manifold gasket since this is a common problem. Mine has been replaced once already at 24,000 miles and now I currently have 57,000 miles now. Currently the leak must be very small since its not visually showing up in the oil and its not leaking externally. All the shops and dealers I've talked to, say that at this point, they cannot pinpoint exactly where the leak is coming from and whether or not its the intake or the heads and that basically they would have to start tearing into the engine. I've been quoted prices between $400-800 dollars to fix just the intake gasket. Since I cannot afford this at this time, this is what I did:

 

I installed Bar's stop leak to the coolant. I had varying opinions on using this stuff and was apprehensive about doing so. I know Bar's leak is what GM factory installs in some of their engines so I figured it couldn't do much damage. The back of the bottle said you could use it on a regular basis for preventive maintenance. I think its working because I'm not getting the moisture buildup on the underside of the oil cap anymore.

 

My question is this, has anyone here used this stuff under similar circumstances and had good luck and did it cause any other problems? One guy on another forum used it to fix his intake leak and its been three years so far with no leaks. Thanks for any input or suggestions.

 

Wayne