Oil Leakage Additives
Content
Oil Leakage Additives allow you to get rid of the decrease in the level of lubricating fluid in the crankcase of the internal combustion engine without the use of repair procedures. To do this, it is enough just to add the specified composition to the oil, and the additions in it will “tighten” small holes or cracks, due to the formation of which a leak appears. Unlike additives to reduce oil consumption, they perform a repair function and can be contained in the internal combustion engine for quite a long time.
Both foreign and domestic manufacturers offer many tools that can eliminate oil leaks. However, they all work on the same principle - they contain a so-called thickener that increases the viscosity of the oil. This prevents grease with a high surface tension from seeping through small cracks or holes. the following is a rating of additives that allow you to temporarily eliminate oil leaks. It was created based on tests and reviews of real car owners taken from the Internet.
| Name | Description and characteristics | Price as of summer 2021, rub |
|---|---|---|
| StepUp "Stop-flow" | An effective agent, which, however, can only be used with mineral and semi-synthetic oils | 280 |
| Xado Stop Leak Engine | Can be used with any oils, however, the effect of its use occurs only after 300 ... 500 km of run | 600 |
| Liqui Moly Oil Loss Stop | Can be used with any oils, diesel and gasoline ICEs, the effect is achieved only after 600 ... 800 km of run | 900 |
| Hi-Gear "Stop-leak" for internal combustion engines | It is recommended to use the agent as a prophylactic, pouring it into the engine crankcase twice a year | 550 |
| Astrochem AC-625 | The low efficiency of the additive is noted, which, however, is compensated by its low price. | 350 |
Causes of oil leakage
Any machine internal combustion engine gradually loses its resource during operation, which is expressed, among other things, in the wear of oil seals or the appearance of backlash. All this can lead to the fact that the oil inside the crankcase can come out. However, there are actually more reasons why this might happen. Among them:
- deformation of rubber or plastic seals or their removal from the installation site;
- wear of seals, oil seals, gaskets to the point where they begin to leak oil (this can happen both due to natural aging and due to the use of the wrong kind of lubricant);
- decrease in the value of the tightness of the protective layer of individual parts of the internal combustion engine;
- significant wear of the shaft and / or rubber couplings;
- increased backlash of the crankshaft or camshaft;
- mechanical damage to the crankcase.
How does an oil leakage additive work?
The purpose of the oil leakage additive is to thicken the working oil or create a film on the surface, which would become a kind of shield. That is, as part of such a sealant, the oil system is added special thickenerswhich greatly increase the viscosity of the oil. Also, the sealant from oil leakage affects the rubber gaskets and seals, because of which they swell a little and additionally seal the oil system.
However, the use of such compositions in internal combustion engines is considered highly doubtful. The fact is that an increase in the viscosity of the oil used in the engine adversely affects its lubrication system. Any internal combustion engine is designed to use oil with a certain viscosity. It is selected in accordance with its design features and operating conditions. namely, the size of the oil channels, the allowable gaps between the parts, and so on. Accordingly, if the viscosity of the lubricant is increased by adding a sealant to its composition to eliminate the leakage of internal combustion engine oil, then the oil will hardly pass through the oil channels.
5W30 and 5W40 - what is the difference in engine oils
When choosing 5w30 or 5w40 oils, you need to take into account their difference in viscosity, as well as other differences that will not allow you to pour one instead of the other, or mix with each other. More details
Therefore, when even a small leak appears, first of all you need to diagnose the causefrom which it arose. And the elimination of oil leaks with sealant can only be considered as interim measure, that is, use it only when, for some reason, at this moment it is not possible to perform a normal repair to eliminate the oil leak.
Rating of additives that stop oil leakage
Currently, there are a lot of different sealant additives on the market that are designed to eliminate engine oil leaks. However, among domestic motorists, the additives of the following brands are most popular: StepUp, Xado, Liqui Moly, Hi-Gear, Astrohim and some others. This is due to their ubiquitous distribution and high efficiency in combating engine oil leaks. If you have had any experience (both positive and negative) in using this or that additive, share it in the comments.
StepUp "Stop-flow"
It is one of the most effective additives designed to eliminate engine oil leaks. Please note that it can use only with semi-synthetic and mineral oils! The composition is based on a special development of the manufacturer - a special polymer formula that not only eliminates oil leakage, but also does not harm rubber products, such as oil seals and gaskets. When the additive comes into contact with air, a special polymer composition is formed on the surface of the protected part, which acts for a long time.
The Stop-Leak additive can be used in ICEs of cars and trucks, tractors, special equipment, small boats and so on. The method of application is traditional. So, the contents of the can must be added to the engine oil. However, this must be done with a slightly warm internal combustion engine, so that the oil is sufficiently viscous, but not too hot. Be careful when working so as not to get burned!
It is sold in a 355 ml package. Her article is SP2234. As of the summer of 2021, the price of the Stop-Leak additive to eliminate oil leaks is about 280 rubles.
Xado Stop Leak Engine
A very good and popular remedy for eliminating oil leaks, it can be used in ICEs of cars and trucks, motorcycles, motor boats, special equipment. Suitable for all types of oil (mineral, semi-synthetic, synthetic). can also be used in ICEs equipped with a turbocharger. Please note that the effect of using the product does not occur immediately, but after approximately 300 ... 500 kilometers. Does not destroy rubber seals and gaskets.
The dosage of the agent must be selected in accordance with the volume of the internal combustion engine oil system. For example, 250 ml of additive (one can) is enough for an internal combustion engine with an oil system volume of 4 ... 5 liters. If the product is planned to be used in ICE with a small displacement, then you need to make sure that the amount of the additive does not exceed 10% of the total volume of the oil system.
It is sold in a package with a volume of 250 ml. Its article is XA 41813. The price of one package of the indicated volume is about 600 rubles.
Liqui Moly Oil Loss Stop
A good product from a popular German manufacturer. Can be used with any petrol and diesel engine. The additive does not have a negative effect on the rubber and plastic parts of the internal combustion engine, but, on the contrary, increases their elasticity. also reduces the amount of oil consumed “for waste”, reduces noise during engine operation, and restores the compression value. Can be used with any motor oils (mineral, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic). note that the additive must not be used in motorcycle ICEs equipped with an oil bath clutch!
As for the dosage, the additive must be added to the oil in the proportion of 300 ml of the agent per volume of the oil system, equal to 3 ... 4 liters. The effect of using the product does not come immediately, but only after 600 ... 800 kilometers. Therefore, it can be considered more prophylactic.
Packaged in cans of 300 milliliters. The article of the product is 1995. The price of one such cylinder is quite high, and amounts to about 900 rubles.
Hi-Gear "Stop-leak" for internal combustion engines
is also one popular oil leak reducing additive that can be used with both gasoline and diesel engines. The same goes for any type of oil. Prevents cracking of rubber and plastic parts. It is noted that the effect of use occurs approximately on the first or second day after pouring oil into the system. The manufacturer recommends using an oil leak preventative once every two years.
Please note that after pouring the additive into the engine crankcase, you need to let the latter run for about 30 minutes at idle. So the composition will be homogeneous and will begin to act (internal chemical reactions and polymerization will occur).
Sold in a 355 ml can. The article of such a cylinder is HG2231. The price of such a volume as of the summer of 2021 is 550 rubles.
Astrochem AC-625
Russian analogue of the additives listed above to eliminate oil leaks. It is distinguished by good efficiency and low price, therefore it has gained popularity among domestic motorists. Eliminates leakage due to softening of rubber products in the engine oil system - oil seals and gaskets. Suitable for all types of oil. One canister of additive is enough to add to an internal combustion engine with an oil system of 6 liters.
It is recommended to add the additive during oil and oil filter changes. Among the shortcomings of the tool, it is worth noting the fragility of its work. However, it is more than offset by the low cost of the composition. Therefore, whether to use the AC-625 additive or not is up to the car owner to decide.
Packed in a package of 300 ml. The Astrohim additive article is AC625. The price of such a canister as of the indicated period of time is about 350 rubles.
Life hack to eliminate the leak
There is one so-called "old-fashioned" method with which you can get rid of a small oil leak from the engine crankcase quite simply and quickly. It is relevant, namely, in the case when a small crack has formed on the crankcase and oil oozes out from under it in very small doses (as drivers say, the crankcase “sweats” with oil).
in order to get rid of this, you need to use regular soap (preferably economic). You need to break off a small piece from a bar of soap, wet it and soften it with your fingers until soft. then apply the resulting mass to the place of damage (crack, hole) and allow to harden. it is necessary to produce all this, of course, with cold engine. The hardened soap perfectly seals the crankcase, and the oil does not ooze for a long time. However, remember that this is a temporary measure, and upon arrival at the garage or car service, you need to make a full repair.
Hack and predictor Aviator
Be aware that the use of additives or similar sealants to stop engine oil leaks actually temporary measure! And you can drive a car, in the internal combustion engine of which there is oil in such an additive, for a short time. This is harmful to the motor and its individual parts. it is necessary to diagnose as soon as possible, find and eliminate the cause that led to the appearance of an oil leak. However, according to the reviews of numerous car owners who have used such additives at different times, they are a fairly effective way to make quick repairs in the "field" conditions.
The most popular oil leak additive among buyers for the summer of 2021 has become Liqui Moly Oil Loss Stop. According to reviews, this tool really reduces leakage and oil consumption for waste, but only if high-quality rubber and plastic spare parts are installed in the internal combustion engine. Otherwise, it can harm them.
