Slowing down a leak
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Sanford Florida
Slowing down a leak
I know some people won't admit it, but many (most) of us have used some kind of additive at some point in time in our oil, tranny, gas... whatever. I don't use them much, not because I think they will actually do HARM, just that the advertising claims are outrageous for many of them.
Notwithstanding that, I am considering using STP stop leak to slow a minor rear main seal leak to buy me a couple thousand miles on the 460. I just cant fix it right now, and if it gets worse somewhere on the road, I will have to pay BIG BUX to get it fixed, instead of me repairing it in a few thousand miles. Has anybody ever had any success with slowing an oil leak with additives? Horror stories? The minor leak doesn't bother me so much; it getting worse on the freeway, and me not noticing until my crankcase is half empty and my oil pressure drops does!
Another question, has anybody used Maxlife or equivolent "high mileage" oils with any success?
Any advice is appreciated. (except "GET A CHEVY INSTEAD :D) Thanks :cheers:
Notwithstanding that, I am considering using STP stop leak to slow a minor rear main seal leak to buy me a couple thousand miles on the 460. I just cant fix it right now, and if it gets worse somewhere on the road, I will have to pay BIG BUX to get it fixed, instead of me repairing it in a few thousand miles. Has anybody ever had any success with slowing an oil leak with additives? Horror stories? The minor leak doesn't bother me so much; it getting worse on the freeway, and me not noticing until my crankcase is half empty and my oil pressure drops does!
Another question, has anybody used Maxlife or equivolent "high mileage" oils with any success?
Any advice is appreciated. (except "GET A CHEVY INSTEAD :D) Thanks :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Re: Slowing down a leak (boredsoIstrokedit)
In my experience, stuff like STP wont harm your engine, and if it buys you some time, that's what you are looking for. I believe the theory is that this additive is supposed to swell the gaskets somewhat and slow down leaks. However, it's probably inevitable that you will have to stop at some point and get the seals replaced.
Good luck...
Good luck...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Re: Slowing down a leak (boredsoIstrokedit)
I never had much luck with the crankcase additives to stop a leak or any other claims...BUT I have had suceess with the new generation of oils from Vavolene "Extended Life" for high milage engines. A family member has a 79 Grand Prix in pristine condition with 74,000 miles, all original and always garaged, motor has never been open. It deleloped a rear main seal leak. Not a gusher but it was steady and it left its calling card on every driveway! Additives did nothing, again the Vavolene "Extended Life" took care of it!
Good Luck
Mark :cheers:
Good Luck
Mark :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Slowing down a leak (boredsoIstrokedit)
I had a bad experience with max life in my pickup.. I started using it in it and it swelled the oil pan gasket bad enuf that it pushed it out. If I was to use it again, I would use maybe 1 quart in your next oil change...IMHO
