High mileage oil caused leaking on remote lines

[JDD]

I posted a couple months ago how I suspected that my switch to Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic caused the remote oil lines to leak on my 1993 S-10 Jimmy. It was suggested on an S-10 site that the seal swelling agents in High Mileage oil was the cause. So, I just wanted to follow up here on that post. I drained the High Mileage Valv and went to Durablend. Within two months, the leak has basically stopped. Anecdotal---sure. But it did not leak before or since using High Mileage oil. Anyway, won't be using High Mileage oil on anything with a rubber oil hose anymore.

 

[Drew99GT]

Those oil lines have failed twice on our Blazer with 230,000 miles. It's a known failure point on the 4.3L with remote oil lines.

 

[JDD]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Those oil lines have failed twice on our Blazer with 230,000 miles. It's a known failure point on the 4.3L with remote oil lines.


True on the high failure rate on these SUVs.
I'm just sayin.....
(mine has 118k mi.)

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Those oil lines have failed twice on our Blazer with 230,000 miles. It's a known failure point on the 4.3L with remote oil lines.
+1

This is a common problem and the High Mileage oil is probably just unmasking it for you to see.

If I were you I would get them replaced before you're left on the side of the road with a possible seized engine.

 

[hounddog]

They don't make oils that cause leaks.

 

[JAG]

Originally Posted By: hounddog
They don't make oils that cause leaks.

They sure do, it's just rare. I experienced it myself before. No leak before oil A. Immediate start of leak with oil A. Immediate stopping of leak with different oil.

 

[tig1]

You need to fix the oil line soon. I was with a friend and his failed all at once. Lucky for us we were close to home because we were leaking oil big time.

 

[JDD]

Unfortunately , GM does not stock this part any more. They won't even give me the part #. So, it's aftermarket only. And 2 mechanics have told me the fitting going in to the radiator is not an exact fit and needs modifying. It's a [censored] set up on this vehicle and I'm looking forward to the day it is out of my life.

 

[JDD]

Originally Posted By: hounddog
They don't make oils that cause leaks.


I disagree---
Seal swell agents do work. Unfortunately they also work on rubber oil lines.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: JDD
Unfortunately , GM does not stock this part any more. They won't even give me the part #. So, it's aftermarket only. And 2 mechanics have told me the fitting going in to the radiator is not an exact fit and needs modifying. It's a [censored] set up on this vehicle and I'm looking forward to the day it is out of my life.


I rednecked it on my Dad's truck with rubber high pressure oil line from Napa, spring clamps, and hose barbs for the oil cooler! Much better IMO.

 

[Alex38]

I have a 2000 S10 ZR2 4x4 that has recently developed an oil leak. I've had it for about a year, bought from a friend that used regular Valvoline 5w30 since new. I drove it for awhile and switched to Mobil 1 5w30 at the first change performed by me, and had no problems with leaks. For the most recent change I used Valvoline Full Synthetic Maxlife 5w30, and have since developed leaks, the most significant of which is from the lines where they go to the remote filter. I'm glad someone else posted up about this, because I would not have guess that a High Mileage oil could've caused this. I thought it was supposed to help prevent leaks, not cause them! I'll be switching to conventional 5w30 oil at my next change, hopefully the leak will go away!! If not, I guess I'll have to replace the lines. Hopefully it cures itself with the oil switch!

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Alex38
I have a 2000 S10 ZR2 4x4 that has recently developed an oil leak. I've had it for about a year, bought from a friend that used regular Valvoline 5w30 since new. I drove it for awhile and switched to Mobil 1 5w30 at the first change performed by me, and had no problems with leaks. For the most recent change I used Valvoline Full Synthetic Maxlife 5w30, and have since developed leaks, the most significant of which is from the lines where they go to the remote filter. I'm glad someone else posted up about this, because I would not have guess that a High Mileage oil could've caused this. I thought it was supposed to help prevent leaks, not cause them! I'll be switching to conventional 5w30 oil at my next change, hopefully the leak will go away!! If not, I guess I'll have to replace the lines. Hopefully it cures itself with the oil switch!



Be careful. These leaks can leave you stranded.