fixing oil leaks with high mileage oil or additives? also...cracked block?

[Jim]

My 97 Legacy 2.2L engine with just 106,000 miles has developed leaks
from the valve cover and pan gasket and perhaps others. had noticed
a burning smell for about a year but when smoke came billowing out
the other day(after a long highway drive appearenly streaked it back
onto the exhaust system) i took it in for a closer look and there are
appear to be several oil leaks (although not enough to require topping
the oil in 3K-4K oil change intervals). also...there is greenish
discharge that was said to be from a cracked block although the exact
point of origin was not visible.

the diagnosis to fix all this was well over $1000, or several thousand
for a remanufactured engine. from a AAA recommended mechanic
I trust, but not necessarily a Subaru expert.

before even considering those options, i was gonna try one of the
oil additives said to rejuvenate leaky seals and was wondering if

1) anyone has had any luck with these and 2) if there is any risk
to the engine.

i think i might have the PCV valve checked based on an earlier
thread.

also was thinking about one of the block sealants for the coolant
leak, although the amount so far is so little that the fill jar
appears essentially unchanged. the ones you put and leave
in risk clogging the heater core, but has anyone tried the ones
you put in with water (and the heater core closed off) and drain
out after they've done their things? or should i ignore this
seemingly trivial seepage?

tia, jim

 

[Jeff Lackey]

They all leak starting around then. Your engine is fine. you just need new
gaskets and seals. And you might as well have the timing belt changed while
you are at it. It will be good for at least another 100,000. Dont waste
time with snake oils. It should be around $1500 to have it done, unless you
know someone who can hook you up. Jeff

 

[CompUser]

My 97 Legacy 2.2L engine with just 106,000 miles has developed leaks
from the valve cover and pan gasket and perhaps others. had noticed
a burning smell for about a year but when smoke came billowing out

OK....from your post, sounds like your dealing
with a couple of *possible* problems...oil and
coolant leakage..

the diagnosis to fix all this was well over $1000, or several thousand
for a remanufactured engine. from a AAA recommended mechanic
I trust, but not necessarily a Subaru expert

Sounds like it may be a head gasket problem...are
you seeing any indication of overheating,
consistently or sporadically?

Pull the dipstick and oil fill cap and examine in
detail for any "chocalate pudding" indication;
that will signify a head gasket problem (mixing
of coolant and engine oil)...if you see these
indications, you are beyond the "additive-fix"
stage..>

before even considering those options, i was gonna try one of the
oil additives said to rejuvenate leaky seals and was wondering if

1) anyone has had any luck with these and 2) if there is any risk
to the engine.

i think i might have the PCV valve checked based on an earlier
thread.

PCV is minor cost---better to replace than tinker
with; but if oil is burning, PCV is not the
issue.


Steve

 

[TG]

I would stay away from the sealants AND your mechanic. Your block is
probably not cracked at all, go to a reputable radiator shop for a leaks
test.
Find a real mechanic to replace the PCV valve, valve cover gaskets, pan
gasket (this might be from something else), and on the right side to the
rear of the valve cover/head area there is a little cover with two bolts
holding it in. Take this out and replace the O ring.
All of this is very simple for the do-it-yourselfer if you want to save
money and know what you got.
Check the timing cover lower edge for signs of oil from behind the cover.
The only thing left is a cover accusable only by separating the engine
from the trans. If I bought a leaking high mileage Sub I would yank the
engine and replace all of these. TG

 

[mac]

Oil consumption and leakage is normal with age, and car A will age
differently from car B. Oil leakage, until it becomes severe, is a simple
economic issue. Is it cheaper to just add oil every week (or whenever) or
cough up a grand +.

I vote for adding oil. My 91 has 220+ thou, uses a quart every couple
thousand. costs less than a buck.

The greenish seepage, though, is different. That's coolant. It's important
to find out where it is coming from. And take apprporiate action. It differs
from oil loss because is almost always gets much worse very fast--and can
leave you in a world of hurt real quick.

 

[Jim]

Actually the oil leakage + usage is less than a quart per oil change
interval (3-4K) now. the main issue is the foul smell. i can have
the oil cleaned off and see how long it takes the problem to
resurface. for about $30-40, i'd do that every few months rather
than spend a grand + .

i have a further appt. on the coolant.

thanks

 

[Edward Hayes]

Go to a do-it-yourself car wash and clean it for 2-3 dollars. eddie