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external sealant for oil leaks

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twas_brillig

Jedi Knight
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Back half a century or so ago, I was able to seal off some low level oil leaks on a motorcycle by spray painting the exterior of the metal to metal seam.
Now, I'm wondering if there are any suggestions for something that could be applied to the outside of gaskets/metal-to-metal/etc to penetrate and seal off non-pressurized oil leaks. I've got (as an example) a spray can of Rustoleum Leak Seal flexible rubber sealant that I used to (hopefully) seal some stucco cracks and was wondering if it might work on automotive applications. Thanks, Doug
 
Might check if oil disentegrates it first. Engine running creates pressure within block, so leaks are pressurized at lower pressure (blow-by and crankcase pressure).
 
Doug,
Where exactly are you experiencing a leak?
 
Well, this time it's on our dune buggy's VW engine. The drain plug threads into a circular plate maybe 5 inches in diameter that bolts to the sump (there's a cleaning screen behind it that needs to be removed periodically and cleaned). There's probably 6 or 8 small bolts holding it and its gasket in place and there's a seepage through one side of the gasket/plate interface that leads to drips. I've sprayed a couple of coatings of the Rustoleum sealant, but haven't taken it out for a drive just yet (snowed a couple of inches, unexpectedly, on the weekend). Permatex has a similar product (see https://www.permatex.com/products/adhesives-sealants/permatex-spray-sealant-leak-repair/ ) that they advertise as " The wicking action seals hard-to-reach leaks without the need for disassembling or removing parts. Designed specifically to target low pressure leaks in hoses, oil pans, differentials, transmission pans,". Depending on how the Rustoleum magic spray works, I'll maybe cross my fingers and try the Permatex. Either way, I'll advise the BCF as to how things went. When we fish the British fleet out in a couple of weeks, I think I'll have a look-see for any gasket/low pressure leaks and (if the VW Rustoleum works), try it. Or the Permatex product. Other suggestions? (PS: I'm also looking for a spray that restores the spring to my step and stops me from growing more forehead). Later, Doug
 
Definitely interested in this, as my pan gasket is pretty much toast. If I can squeeze a bit more time before I have to pull the motor, that's always a plus.
 
I use barsleak in my rad as insurance. I know there are similar oil leak products. if you are just buying time this might be an option.
 
Unless there is some sort of physical damage, you should be able to stop this leak without any external solutions. That screen you spoke of is very thin aluminum? that fits the mating surface between the sump and that 6 bolt cover. It also requires a paper gasket on either side of the aluminum. Both sides of both paper gaskets need gasket sealer. I use the old stand-by, Indian Head IIRC, and never over torque those small nuts.
 
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