head gasket going, going .... (not gone yet)

Not my alpine, but wife's Beemer.
Looks as thought the head gasket is on it's way out.
Dont intend to fix the car (over 16 years old) as we want to replace it with a diesel.
However, I need to do a temporary fix to last a few weeks whilst we look around for a replacement car. Hence, has anyone used an engine block sealant such as Insta Seal ? or similar ?
Do they work or am I wasting my time ?

It currently loses half a litre of coolant every other week.

http://www.repairproducts.co.uk/page46.htm

Hi, is it a four cylinder BMW?

If so they are very easy to change. I would not waste any money on the stuff you pour into te expansion tank!

Other wise just continue to do as you are currently doing.

No, it's a straight six (520i touring).
Been really good over the last 6 years , but now done over 158K so just a bit past it.

158k, it's hardly run in! My last, a 325i did 375k before I 'retired' it, cost me £5k, and I get 40p mileage allowance

May not be the head gasket, the heads on the 6 pots of that era got a bit porous as they aged, if you did decided to repair then there is a company near me who sell reconditioned heads.

"It currently loses half a litre of coolant every other week."
To me this means just a quarter of a litre every week. Not even enough to fill the header tank I fear!

Man, get a grip, just fill it up for FREE every week with tap water ........ maybe on a Sunday afternoon, should get you off the washing up duties till you get a replacement car.

Good luck and a Merry Christmas.

[BIG_MVS]

Exactly what I was thinking Simon. Keep your money in your pocket and top it up every other week problem solved!