Ravq

I have a very tiny oil leak on my wife's car that I haven't gotten around to fix. Well I was looking to try one of those quick fix engine oil stop leak additives to temporarily hold me over, when one of the parts guys said that I could just run a heavier oil like 20w-50 or SAE30? Can anyone offer me some insight? The leak is coming from what seems to be the head gasket which was quite pricey. Would running a heavier oil slow the leak? I'm using 10w-30 now but am skeptical.

gabuchu

I don't trust those additives, but then again I haven't used any. I just think it might cause more harm than good. The heavier oil will not stop the leak. It will just make the oil come out a little slower. Heavier liquid moves slower than lighter ones. I haven't heard of oil coming from the head gasket. Most common thing is coolant. Is it possible to have oil leak but not coolant? That seems kinda strange.

Shingles

you could use heavier weight, but I wouldn't recommend it. Reason is heavier weight it thicker oil. Today's engine have very small tolerances, ie small gaps. If the oil is too thick, it just won't lube very well. Also, during cold start ups, thick oil won't flow as well... thus worse protection.

-Shing

Ravq

Thanks for the tip. So you think it may do me more harm then good to run a thicker oil for the meantime?