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[quote=”Machine3″ post=80533]2003 Honda Pilot 95,000 miles. I have been using synthetic oil since it was new. Now I have a oil leak (rear main). If I would change back to conventional oil do you think it may slow or even stop?[/quote]
Maybe. You could also try a high mileage synthetic that is supposed to swell the seals and stop or slow leaks.
But, at the end of the day there really is no chemical fix for a mechanical problem. If you have a rear main that is leaking it means the rear main is worn or damaged and should be replaced.
I would go with what the manual says to put in and not try to switch oils just to see if it will fix your problem. (It isn’t likely to do anything damaging if you switch oils, but I am just strict like that) I have heard scotty kilmer recommend using AT-205 re-seal to fix problems like that. He seems to swear by it. I have never used it myself but it is worth a try I suppose.
Synthetic oils like 0w 50 and even 5w 50 can be very thin and thus leak from an engine which has seen lots of miles. If you do not intend to fix the leak problem which require couple of gasket changes, go ahead and use a thicker mineral oil and you will have less leak. There are some mineral oil specially formulated for high mileage engines, look out for these. However it only works when you have minor leak. Do not try any additives as they usually don’t work and just waste of money. Recently I tried a gear box additive which claimed to stop leaks but I am not seeing any benefit.
[quote=”Xyius” post=80539]I would go with what the manual says to put in and not try to switch oils just to see if it will fix your problem. (It isn’t likely to do anything damaging if you switch oils, but I am just strict like that) I have heard scotty kilmer recommend using AT-205 re-seal to fix problems like that. He seems to swear by it. I have never used it myself but it is worth a try I suppose.[/quote]
I have seen that Scotty’s video myself, and would have also purchased the AT-205 to solve my Fiat Punto’s JTD oil leaks, if it was available here in europe, but it isn’t (some problem with exporting it , since it ‘s considered an “hazardous material”) so I cannot really tell about its effectiveness.
Anyway I have always been using 5W30 oil in it since I purchased it used with 111000Kms in 2011, and this autumn I reviewed the user’s manual and it states that , besides 5W30, I can also use 10W40 semi-synt.
In the case of my Punto, 5W30 is reccomended for the coldest climates, 10W40 is more “general purpose”.
So I switched from 5W30 full synt to 10W40 semi-sinth and I noticed a noticeable reduction in the leaks, and now it doesn’t leave the usual small puddle of oil when I park it :cheer:
The curious thing is that the puddle did usually form when the car is hot, but then the leak stops when the car cools down; now it does not leak (that I can see at least! 😆 ) even when hot.
As a side note, besides the AT-205, I had found also another product that claimed the same “magical” seal swelling-softening-plasticizing abilities, and it is called “Liquid intellingence 230”.
Obviously it’s not available here either, so I could not try that neither. 🙁
That’s my two cents 🙂
Live long and prosper (and stay dirty!)
10nico
It’s not that expensive or difficult to switch to conventional oil to see if it slows the leak. It can’t hurt anything either. That said, you will likely have to address the leak at some point no matter what. Don’t assume it’s the rear main either. I’ve seen issues with rear galley plugs on the J series engine from time to time. You really won’t know until you remove the transmission.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-fluid-leaks
Talk to Honda Corp. and your dealership, since you haven’t changed your timing belt yet that area shouldn’t be leaking yet, with that mileage. You might be surprised how much they will work with you on this expensive matter.[quote=”Machine3″ post=80533]2003 Honda Pilot 95,000 miles. I have been using synthetic oil since it was new. Now I have a oil leak (rear main). If I would change back to conventional oil do you think it may slow or even stop?[/quote]
You sure its a rear main leak and not just the oil sender which is above the rear main? From underneath this leak can appear to ne rear main but is actually just the sending unit. If it is actually the rear main then you are a prime candidate for sealer additives. Scottt Kilmer has one that he stands by (dont remember the name of the product. ) other than seal conditioner id go heavy with the weight of oil and increase the changes by 1000 miles or so
….and start sockin money away. Check the sending unit though, they are right above that main seal and are equivalent to changing a spark plug. Dye and a blacklight may be worth a shot just to shed some light on the trail of oil.
Actually, if it is the rear main then go heavy oil and decrease the oil changes by 1000 miles….you want build up.
First, I don’t believe he sending unit is anywhere near the rear main on that engine. I believe it’s located on the rear bank in the middle of the engine block. If you did have an oil leak farther up, like say a valve cover leak, it could travel down toward the rear main and be perceived as a rear main leak. I would advise not switching to a ‘thicker’ oil, or to use a sealer to try and remedy the problem. That can cause other issues that could cause damage to the engine. Putting in more oil won’t hurt anything. Try switching back to regular oil and see if the problem slows down or goes away.
Keep us posted.
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