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Stop Leak Liquids (Gasket Fillers) Any Good or More Trouble?!?

TEWNCfarms

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TEWNCfarms Enthusiast

TEWNCfarms

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So I have a minor leak, I have to add coolant every month or so. And usually around 3500 Miles after an oil change I have to add a Quart of oil; tried 10W40 this time to see if that helps with the oil leaking. But the bottom of the engine is usually covered in oil, and when I had to get my parking cable replaced the transmission shop said I had I believe a rear main seal leak...

 

So my question is is it even worth trying to use Liquid Stop Leaks or should I just actually replace the gasket? I definitely know replacing it is the preferred option, but I think it might be pretty hard for me to do myself? If not please say so! And I definitely don't have the money to get done at a shop. Thanks everyone for your help on this!

TEWNCfarms Enthusiast

TEWNCfarms

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6 hours ago, muddkatt said:

IMHO the "stop leaks" are just snake oil.

Yeah that’s kind of my thinking on it. What do you think the problem could be? One guy said it could just be the oil pan bolts are loose... the transmission pan bolts were loose, but thought that was the oil pan so I didn’t mess with the Actual oil pan I’ll do that tomorrow...

 

what do do you think the coolant leak could be? That same guy said it could be the water pump...

muddkatt Senior Enthusiast

muddkatt

Posted
Posted

Check the pan bolts, then clean the engine. Brake cleaner will dissolve the oil quickly. Then monitor it closely to determine where the leak(s) are coming from. Note, thicker oil will not stop the leak so use the recommended oil.

 

The water pumps are known to seep at the hole on the bottom, and sometimes where the gasket to the engine block is. 

 

BTW, what year and engine are we talking about?

TEWNCfarms Enthusiast

TEWNCfarms

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5 hours ago, muddkatt said:

Check the pan bolts, then clean the engine. Brake cleaner will dissolve the oil quickly. Then monitor it closely to determine where the leak(s) are coming from. Note, thicker oil will not stop the leak so use the recommended oil.

 

The water pumps are known to seep at the hole on the bottom, and sometimes where the gasket to the engine block is. 

 

BTW, what year and engine are we talking about?

Oh yeah sorry about that 2000 1500 Silverado 5.3 Z71

 

awesone thanks I didn’t think about brake cleaner...

 

and yeah I think I’m going to go ahead and change my oil again, I did a seafoam intake cleanse right After I changed my oil last 3k miles ago, a guy on another forum said to just go ahead and change it... andbso I’ll put the 5W40 in it this time again. Synthetic? Or does it really matter?

muddkatt Senior Enthusiast

muddkatt

Posted
Posted

You should be running 5W-30 in the 5.3. I use Mobil 1 and run an "extended" oil change schedule. If you change every 3-5 thousand miles, then a good conventional oil will be fine.

540fan Enthusiast

540fan

Posted
Posted

Go to NAPA and get an oil UV dye and add to your next oil change and after you clean the ending.  Get a cheap UV light and start checking it regularly. You should be able to source the leak.

 

i have had some luck with the better seal additives but on older motors.  Theory is that they will swell the seals.  Still doesn’t treat the root cause.  Find your leak and fix it, new gaskets or seals.

 

 

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