Oil leak fixes?

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,389
1,778
126
Just wondering if anyone knows any wonder products to stop a slow oil leak. A friend of mine has a leak in his rear main seal. I told him it's not worth the $1500 bill to fix it. Any good products out there to stop a leak?
 

Mr N8

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
8,793
0
76
How much does it leak between changes? Its most likely not a big problem. I would just start putting a heavier weight oil in if he doesn't want to spend the money to fix it.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
They wanted $500 to do mine and I said no way. It's been over a year and I just check the oil level and use valvoline maxlife, for what it's worth.
 

Seal stop leak manufactured by Prestone, this product causes the seal(s) to swell.
 

DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
15,708
5
56
If it's a stick, a rear main will fubar the clutch. (ask me how I know... :roll;)

I can't believe it's $1500. :Q Is that a dealer price or something? Or is it a Fiero? ;)
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Originally posted by: DurocShark
If it's a stick, a rear main will fubar the clutch. (ask me how I know... :roll;)

I can't believe it's $1500. :Q Is that a dealer price or something? Or is it a Fiero? ;)
I heard that it's a possibility but I've gone over a year and ~15K miles on the sentra with it like this and have not had any problems.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Originally posted by: DurocShark
If it's a stick, a rear main will fubar the clutch. (ask me how I know... :roll;)

I can't believe it's $1500. :Q Is that a dealer price or something? Or is it a Fiero? ;)
I heard that it's a possibility but I've gone over a year and ~15K miles on the sentra with it like this and have not had any problems.

Just depends on if the oil eventually finds its way to the clutch or not..
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
30,990
12,539
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Originally posted by: DurocShark
If it's a stick, a rear main will fubar the clutch. (ask me how I know... :roll;)

I can't believe it's $1500. :Q Is that a dealer price or something? Or is it a Fiero? ;)
I was thinking the same thing.

It cost me $300 CDN to get my 318's rear main seal fixed. No more rope seal, now its neoprene.
 

T2T III

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
12,899
1
0
It sounds like he should be using some oil designed for "higher mileage" vehicles. These new oils have agents in them to work on swelling the seals a bit. There are a few of these oils on the market (Valvoline Max Life comes to mind) - just check your local auto parts store.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
thicker oil. My 318 leaks out of the rear main if i use 5w30, however 10w40 stops it :p Depending on what type of car you have, a rear main can be a PITA. In mine, i would have to move the exhaust, droop the front axle down, pull out the transfer case, and then get to work.
 

dorifkin

Member
Dec 4, 2002
25
0
0
The 318 is a rear wheel drive car, it will be very cheap compared to a front wheel drive car, or all wheel drive. He's taking a big risk with the rear main seal. I've seen it ripped in half and caused all the oil to pour out and the idiot kept driving the car and caused the engine to sieze. If in fact it is a rear-wheel drive car, I would tell him to find some help and do it himself. And change out the clutch at the same time (if he has one).
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: dorifkin
The 318 is a rear wheel drive car, it will be very cheap compared to a front wheel drive car, or all wheel drive. He's taking a big risk with the rear main seal. I've seen it ripped in half and caused all the oil to pour out and the idiot kept driving the car and caused the engine to sieze. If in fact it is a rear-wheel drive car, I would tell him to find some help and do it himself. And change out the clutch at the same time (if he has one).


RWD or 4WD
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,389
1,778
126
This is for a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo. The dealer has already charged him $500 for replacing his top seals on the dual valve covers. I would have NEVER paid that kind of money for such a simple gasket job, but this guy is no mechanic. I don't understand people who would pay all that cash for such an old vehicle. However, it only has 90,000 miles on it. Thanks Roger, I'll pass that info along. I figured you'd see this thread and "pounce". ;)