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  #1  
Old 01-02-2008, 12:58 AM
Zack
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Knoxville, TN
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motor oil

I just changed my oil and I used 5w-40 as opposed to the usual 15w. I am leaking oil all over the place, all over the place. I am adding oil everyday. What can I do besides drain oil and put the usual in?? Or is that the best solution?

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  #2  
Old 01-02-2008, 01:04 AM
TheDon's Avatar
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well.. how bad was it leaking before?

did you do a valve adjustment at the same time and not seal the valve cover correctly?

Degrease the engine and hunt for leaks...

I'm guessing you put in the 5w40 because you are in TN and it gets cold.. correct?
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  #3  
Old 01-02-2008, 01:14 AM
Craig
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The best solution is to track down and fix all the leaks.

I'm surprised changing from 15Wx conventional to 5W40 synthetic would result in a drastic increase in leakage. Is it possible that you just developed a more significant leak. I would clean everything up and determine what's leaking first.
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  #4  
Old 01-02-2008, 01:15 AM
Zack
 
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yeah that is why I chose the oil. I had the typical leaks on a car of this age and type. It was not anyhing like this though. I noticed it was leaking in many places but I saw it was leaking from the oil pan seal. It was not there before the 5w oil
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  #5  
Old 01-02-2008, 01:47 AM
Zack
 
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Should I drain the oil and use the 15 W or is there anything I can do to thicken the 5 W up a bit??
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  #6  
Old 01-02-2008, 02:21 AM
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I don't see how the weight is doing it.

In our BMW I use 0W-40 and when I pour it in, it is like honey sticking to everything (30 - 35F). So I don't see 15w being like molasses and 5w being water. (not saying what weight should be run or type)

I would suggest something else is creating the leak.

Good Luck
Don
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  #7  
Old 01-02-2008, 03:07 AM
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Sounds like you have problems not related to the oil. All three of our diesels run 5w40 with no real leaks or issues. All were converted over from 15w40 dino many thousands of miles ago. I actually think they leak/lose less now than they did on the 15w40 oil.
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  #8  
Old 01-02-2008, 04:15 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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I can see how changing to synthetic with lighter weights would make it leak more. You may still be able to fix the leaks and run it though.

Tom W
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  #9  
Old 01-02-2008, 04:15 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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I can see how changing to synthetic with lighter weights would make it leak more. You may still be able to fix the leaks and run it though.

Tom W
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  #10  
Old 01-02-2008, 10:09 AM
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clean it up and start chasing leaks...
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  #11  
Old 01-02-2008, 10:19 AM
C Sean Watts's Avatar
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Pat Goss from Motor Week and Goss's Garage

once said, "Changing to synthetic oil will not cause a leak but it will highlight the leaks that are already there."

Perhaps this is an example?

I guess it's time to hunt 'em down and seal 'em up.
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  #12  
Old 01-02-2008, 10:25 AM
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There is very little difference between those two oils, they are both 40 weight oils and have the same viscosity. If it started leaking very suddenly after the change I would check your drain plug for a proper seal, or anything else you may have disturbed.
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  #13  
Old 01-02-2008, 10:43 AM
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I made the mistake once of using an auto parts store oil filter and the filter housing gasket didn't fit right - I started the car up and I immediately got a small leak around the housing - I took the top off, put the old gasket back in and it was fine.
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  #14  
Old 01-02-2008, 12:16 PM
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Its not the oil, chase down and fix the leak.
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  #15  
Old 01-02-2008, 12:29 PM
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OK, IF and this is a big if... IF the leaks are indeed caused by the oil, it is too late. what can happen if you have been using a cheapo low detergent oil and it was not leaking out the places that were marginal, but clogged with gunk, the new high detergent proper oil has cleaned out the gunk, and now ANY oil will leak there.
but more than likely, the old oil would have leaked as well. don't forget the weather has changed, so gaskets and such are shrinking more at night, and this cold weather snap combined with your oil change will indeed cause odd things to happen.
my advise is to steam clean your engine and find where the leaks are coming from, fix them and drive the 5K or so miles until your next oil change.
enjoy faster cold starts, increased fuel mileage, and longer oil change intervals.

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