Hi,

this is not a strictly Volvo-related question. There is this friend of mine (with a 96 Subaru Outback BTW) who has a minor oil leak. Really minor, only a few drops. But, to her enjoyment, it is certainly coming from the rear main seal, which of course costs a fortune to repair.

I have seen some engine oil additives (or oils) that claim to stop minor leaks. At the first sight, it makes sense, since the source for such small leaks is often the rubber getting old, and maybe reconditioning is possible.

Any experience with such oil additives? Or should she just wait till the small leak becomes a big one and then replace it? Thanks,

DS

*Makes wanker motion*
Oil stopleak is never a good idea, esp. on newer engines, esp. esp. on turbos. Only use stopleak if your fixing to sell your ride. I once put an oil pump on a 350 chevy, the oilpan was coated with a gold dust from oil stopleaks, and it eroded the oilpump vanes. just avoid it.
~kyote
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*84 Volvo 240 DL, named Michelle*-259,000 on the odo, fastern' sheet! ~@ Kyote Customs- Sinkin' Sushi boats since 1999@~

More than half of oil leaks in all but the oldest engines are caused by positive crankcase pressure. And of the other half, the vast majority can be fixed simply by tightening up some bolts here and there, or replacing gaskets. Of course that's not true of the rear main seal, but certainly it's worth a look at the PCV situation to make sure the oil's not getting forced out by pressure.

As far as "seal conditioners" are concerned, I've got a bridge to sell you....

Try giving it a treatment with autorx ( www.auto-rx.com ) I've had some pretty amazing results with that stuff. It's costy, but worth it.
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '82 Mercedes 300SD

No, No! - that's my view on additives. If it's a small leak, live with it. Maybe put a tray under the drip if you always park in the same position.
If this magic stuff will stop a leak, think what else it might be stopping inside the engine.

I've used a product called "Kreen" by the Kano laboratories in both my bricks and have noticed the idles have smoothed out and they both run much quieter. It dissolves carbon build up in the engine and fuel system and can slow small leaks.

I know there are many opinions out there and many are against the use of additives but carbon build up in the engine and fuel system can cause many problems including oil leaks.

I was skeptical at first myself but now use it on most oil changes and in the gas every so often with no negative side affects to speak of.

This stuff has been around along time and is used regularily by many top companies, but it is only available through the mail.

Check it out. I buy a gallon and for the cost, it is hard to beat.
http://www.kanolabs.com/

Chapster out
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Chapster out