QuestionHi,
My motor recently developed a small oil leak. I notice it mainly when the car is parked on my driveway, facing downwards. At that point, I can see a small puddle of oil develop.
When the car is parked on a level surface, I rarely ever see more than a drop of oil on the ground, if any.
As I suspect fixing oil leak such as this could get quite expensive (if a lot of components need to come off), I was curious as to what you thought about those Oil Additives that claim to stop oil leaks.
Do they work and are they safe for the motor? The last think I would want to do is make things worse inside the motor. But it does sound like a cheap alternative....
Thank you very much!
AnswerHi Steve,
Oil additives that supposedly stop oil leaks don't work as advertised as you have already suspected. The thought is that by making the oil thicker, it is less likely to leak, and that is true, but not impossible, so most of those engine oil stop-leaks are just a thickening additive that is safe for the engine.
Your leak sounds like it is an oil pan gasket if it only leaks with the vehicle parked in a specific direction. If it were an upper engine leak, it would drip every time you parked and as such, if it were an oil pan crack or drain plug leak it would also leak all the time.
Ok, an oil pan gasket leak would probably be best-case so worst case on most newer cars would be timing cover gasket which can also leak and not-leak at will or dependent on where or how you park.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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