Do oil leak additives work

Answer 1

This is a questions that causes a lot of debate and often arguments. The short answer is "Yes". But there are a number of factors to consider.

1. What condition is the engine in? If the engine has broken components, excessive wear etc, then it is very unlikely that any additive is going to help. (Having said that, I did once repair a badly broken head gasket with an additive)

2. What type of additive are you using? There are alot of brands out there and some of them are definitely 'snake oils'.

3. What sort of oil leak is it? If it's minor then a good additive will most likely assist.

4. What are the side effects (if any)? Most 'oil leak' type products work by thickening the oil in your engine. Thicker oil is harder for the engine to push around and therefore more strian is added therefore leaks are more likely to recur.

In 40+ years of driving on four continents and a dozen countries; and having owned a variety of cars from brand new to old 'clunkers', I have formed certain opinions. These are only opinions. I do have some formal training in motor mechanics and one of my past professions involved motor cars. This oes not make me an expert.

I have found that a product called XADO works quite well on older high milage engines. It does do pretty much what is says without problem side effects (except that it now runs a little rich). But this was in my engine which may have different causational (there's a word that doesn't exist) problems to yours. I have found that Many of the Wynns products have some effect if the motor is not too bad. You could also have a look to see if the sump nut is tight or needs a seal washer. Also checkk that the oil filler cap is on tighly and the dip stick fully in its slot.