5 replies to this topic

[fenghuang]

Just spotted a bottle of snake oil at the auto factors that claimed to fix oil leaks from gear boxes.

 

My gut says it ain't gonna work, but they reckoned they sell loads and it can last 6 months or more.

I know tyre fitters hate the slime you can put in tyres to deal with punctures, but do the liquid oil leak fixers work, and if they are used as a short term fix until you can get the engine out, do they create any problems?

[Dan]

It's not designed for a car that uses engine oil in the gearbox. It may well not be compatible.

[dklawson]

Generally the "oil leak stoppers" are aimed at softening and swelling old, hard, rubber seals.  The chemicals you pour in the sump will therefore have some organic compounds that are likely to thin the oil a bit.  They may reduce or stop oil leaks for a while but it really depends on the type of leak.  Using the additives is a personal choice based on your comfort level thinning the oil down a bit.   Personally... I will not use them in my cars but again, it is your car and your choice.

[Gulfclubby]

That said there aren't that many rubber seals in a mini engine in the first place. Questionable how much you could expect the additive to fix, really.

[madaboutcherry]

snake oil!

[KernowCooper]

I like the latest Steel Seal for blown headgaskets, who remembers Holts Piston Seal