Beware of oil additives

[sputnik801]

Okay - I'll start with a disclaimer that in hind sight I should have known better having 310k on my engine. I have used LUCAS additive for quite a while but only have added a small amount. 3 weeks ago when changing the oil I actually used the recomended amount. (more than I usually add) I noticed the stock pressure gauge was a bit higher than normal. One day later I noticed oil on the ground. I drained the crankcase, put new oil in without additive, but it still leaked. After much searching by myself I turned it over to my mechanic. It is leaking from the timing cover. HPOP, turbo pedistal and plugs are all NOT leaking.

Now this gasket may have leaked on its own sooner or later, BUT I'd say that anybody that has higher miles on their 7.3, leave well enough alone, or you too will be faced with a repair that calls for over 18 hour of labor.

(UG!)

[96F350KID]

Did you use the Synthetic stuff which is one bottle with every oil change that says USE FOR POWERSTROKE? Or the thick sh!t for gas engines, 1 bottle for every 4 or 5 quarts or what ever. The syn stuff is ALOT thinner.

[sputnik801]

I used the one for diesels - has specific diesel instructions on it the label. I based my use also on older posts of what people have used. It's probably just my luck. Sometimes I feel like Walter Fielding (Tom Hanks) in THE MONEY PIT.

[zROCK]

I don't bother with aditives other than standyne in the fuel every other fill. I switched over to a synthetic oil and premium diesel fuel truck is much happier with that. I learned a long time ago to stay away from oil additives. I did a tranny flush on my first car and added a additive to it. 2 days later the tranny blew up and all i had was reverse... Got some really funny looks driving down the road backwards trying to get home. I have used oil additives a few times in my earlier years and always had something go shortly after

[retmotor]

I don't know about the fuel pressure / fuel leak scenario, but Lucas fuel treatment is amazing stuff in regular gas as a stabilizer. I have stories, but not going to type them right now.

[sputnik801]

I did a lot of research before starting to use LUCAS. Cruised this awesome site, talked with mechanics, etc. I have used additives before, but only in 2 scenerios. Additive in my '86 Monte Carlo years ago. 4.3 V-6 awesome engine, but after 250k was getting some blow-by. Used Risilone (I think) also years ago to quiet a wrist pin rattle in my '64 Buick. I would never use an additive in a trans except in a last ditch case to try to get more miles out of somethng was was about to let loose.
I did notice that with LUCAS the 7.3 "rattled" less. I'm really hoping that it was just the added pressure that caused the leak. Went over 200 miles since re-filling without LUCAS, cleaned the top of the engine and so far can see no leak. If it stays dry, will clean the oil pan once again and re-paint. Hope to get some more miles before that rusted piece of crap pan disinegrates.

Thanks to all who posted!

[96F350KID]

I just run one quart of LUCAS syn in with 14qts of DELO and haven't had a single leak. 75-140 Royal purple in the axle and synthetic Mercon IV in the tranny. Howies lube w/ Lucas fuel additive with each fill up zROCK that standyne additive is the best stuff out there but the only one who sells it is a diesel shop in sarasota 35 miles one way. Its also like 20 bucks a bottle. Just not as convenint as the stuff i can get at the Pilot.

[sputnik801]

I run Rotella. Is there any mileage benefit from running synthetic? I drive around 20k miles a year. Are there any dangers switching to synthetic in a high mileage vehicle? After this leak fiasco I'm afraid to try anything new with 311k on the truck. I'm asking because years ago if you put synthetic in an older vehicle, the oil tended to "gunk" up.

[retmotor]

A lot of oil that is labeled synthetic, really isn't, it's just processed to a point where they can label it "synthetic." Or it's partly synthetic. That may have had something to do with your "gunk" problem. Don't know...

I just read a post on here a while ago where a guy switched to synthetic in his whole drivetrain and his MPG improved.

[96F350KID]

Yes because its thinner. Viscosity is your resistance against moving parts which is your 5W 40W 15-40W ect ect. synthetics have a low resistance rating which allows your internal parts to move faster because of this. The only down fall is if you have a engine with a lot of miles and worn down bearings the oil won't fill that gap which is why in higher mile vehicles you tend to run higher viscosity oil. Also why your oil pressure tends to be a little higher. I notice when you have a high mileage vehicle and you switch to synthetic you will more then likely develop a leak or notice a little more blow by. I run Delo because it has a better four ball wearing test the Rotella but wont send me home with nothing unlike Mobil 1.( which out performs Delo) also performing oil anayis tests Delo won't break down as much or a quickly as Rotella. ( not ragging on Rotella just stating what I have found) I run the one quart of Lucas Syn additive because of it lubercating properties as well. just my .02