Hey guys, so I just recently noticed a pretty significant oil leak on my car (D16y8 engine). I would try and diagnose it and find the source, but I don't have the time (I'm getting ready to leave on a trip). Do you think If I just replaced my oil (2.8 qts of oil, 1 qt of Lucas' "Stop Oil Leak") I would be fine? Additionally, does that stuff even work? Thanks!

 

No no no no no. Put that **** in your engine and expect it to die. Fix the leak, don't band aid it.

 

The stuff can work....but it is not good for the motor. If it can actually stop a leak, think what its doing to the moving parts of your motor. Fix the leak as suggested above, or keep refilling on your trip.

 

Ah, okay. So I'm guessing it's a much, much thicker/heavier substance? I'll just keep filling it up and when I get the time I'll look over it. Thanks!

 

it's as bad as the HG stop leak stuff EricTheCarGuy did a whole vid on it. there's no cheap fixes if you're doing things right.

 

It becomes a glue in your engine. Yes, it stops the leak, but it'll also clog up oil passages, journal oiling holes, and all sorts of other spots where oil is supposed to travel through a small hole.

You can diagnose an oil leak location in a couple hours. Clean your engine with some degreaser and a rag, start the car, then look for where the oil is coming from. As much as I hate hodgepodge fixes, I'd tell someone to put some duct tape over a leak before I told them to use any kind of stop leak additive.

 

Most "stop leaks" usually do either two things or a combination of them: make gaskets and seals swell to stop leaks or use a thicker viscosity so it's harder for the oil to slip past leaking seals and gaskets neither is which is good for the long term. Is it leaking from the top (valve cover, distributor Oring) or the bottom (oil pan, rear and front main seals)?

 

Ditto. And, if you have a Vtec solenoid you could be leaking from there as well.

 

I found the leak, thanks guys!