Engine leaks are a major issue since oil deprivation can cause your engine to overheat and wear out rapidly. There are oil additives to stop leaks and they’re designed to address minor oil leaks or consumption. Oil leaks occur when an engine’s gaskets or seals wear out. Leaking gaskets or seals are typically fixed by replacing the faulty parts. However, this requires an engine rebuild, which is laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. Using a stop oil leak additive allows vehicle owners to address minor oil leaks without having to conduct an engine rebuild.
One of the best oil stop leak products is ATP’s AT-205. In EngineLab’s test comparing the ATP AT-205 to 13 other oil leak additives, the AT-205 performed the best when it comes to rejuvenating engine o-rings and gaskets.
The AT-205 formula contains plasticizers, a type of chemical used to make rubber gaskets to set their flexibility. Gaskets and seals tend to lose their flexibility over time, and eventually become hard and brittle. Since AT-205 contains plasticizers, the additive-filled oil can soak the material and soften the gaskets. Aside from restoring worn or dried-out seals, the additive isn’t harmful to internal bearings and components.
AT-205 isn’t just for engine oil. This additive can also be used for transmission fluid, power steering fluid, or transmission fluid.
Lucas Oil 10278 Oil Stop Leak is a reliable and affordable solution for stopping engine leaks. Many users have found this product effective when it comes to addressing minor leaks from parts like the oil pan gasket and front seal. Other users have also found that the product reduces engine oil consumption. Aside from being one of the most effective products available, it’s also noncorrosive and improves engine performance. While this additive isn’t a sure fix for engine leaks and oil consumption, this product is one of the most reliable. This additive is also compatible with most engine oils. However, take note that this isn’t suitable for diesel engines.
Liqui Moly’s additive is designed to reduce oil consumption caused by oil getting through the combustion chamber, lessening blue smoke emissions and engine noise. The formula should also maintain and regenerate rubber and plastic seals in the engine.
Some forum users report that Motor Oil Saver has worked for their engine after 1,000 miles, reducing smoke or leaks. Their engine also sounds smoother for the first few hundred miles. That said, the engine still consumed around 2.5 quarts of oil after 3,500 miles.
Oil stop leak additives use two main formulas when it comes to clogging small leaks:
These formulas have small particles that clog the opening where the oil is escaping. The particles will remain suspended in the additive or oil until they pass through the opening, where the particles will harden. The main problem with these formulas is the particles, as they can have long-term effects on an engine. These additives can increase engine wear and even do more harm than good.
Many modern oil additives rely on additives that can expand and rejuvenate the gaskets and seals. These gaskets will become larger and more flexible, sealing any gaps or leaks. Old formulas relied on petroleum distillates, but modern formulas use plasticizers.
Using oil additives to stop oil leaks is effective if your engine has a minor oil consumption or leak. However, using an oil leak additive doesn’t replace the need to replace faulty gaskets, seals, or components. If your gaskets and seals are quite worn, there’s a good likelihood that using an oil leak additive won’t address the issue because additives aren’t designed to fix major leaks. That said, these products can buy time for you to find the time and resources to conduct the necessary repairs.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.