High Mileage Oil; Results When?

[number_41]

So when should I expect my leaks to stop?

The facts:

1989 Ford F-150,302 V-8, T-18 4-spd., bought new, 105,000 miles. Vehicle always had some minor "mist" leaks from valve covers, oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals, bout over this last winter (6-month OCI's with accumulation of approx. 2000 miles) the leaks have gotten serious enough (looks like front main seal is the worst) to cause the oil pan to be wet and drip on the ground when engine shut off.

So I figured after reading this site I'd give Valvoline MaxLife SynBlen (red bottle) 10W30 a whirl. Been 400 miles so far and I don't see a change.

So maybe I'm asking too much but thought I'd ask for input on experiences.

How well did this stuff work, if it did, and how long did it take?

 

[Popinski]

It's been 2,000 miles on mine. Leaks slowed down but it still burns the same amount as usual.

 

[ahoier]

Sounds like your leak is too bad/harsh for any "chemical fix" tbh...

How's the dipstick checking out? You haven't had to add any top-off oil yet have you? I'd hope not....since you only have 400 miles on the oil thus far.

 

[number_41]

Added 1/2 qt. at the 400 mile mark.

 

[caravanmike]

mine took 3000-4000 miles before it stopped completely.

 

[Boss302fan]

It slowed down leaks in a few of my cars but it took a full OCI to do it.

Sounds like you have oil leaking from a lot of areas and that you may have to do some repair work... If you are leaking that bad you should replace the gaskets. If you are burning oil then you may want to try a Maxlife blend 10W40. Be patient and good luck.

 

[number_41]

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the input. I'll just take a deep breath and let MaxLife work its magic. After all, that's why I put it in there. Probably run it for at least two OCI's at least as an experiment so I'll know what to do in the future.

 

[urrlord]

max life took about 3-4 weeks to slow the oil consumption in my 82 dodge slant six.i recently used napa synthetic and my oil consumption went back to pre max life levels.so i will be switching back to max life.

 

[dan3952]

I haven't used Maxlife since 2007 because it burned just as much as with any other oil, at least with the problem I have, rings, it didn't help. My rear main leak was caused by one oil overfill and it didn't get any worse after that. I also don't like switching to heavier oil weights my engine didn't like that it made a lot more noise

 

[mechtech2]

Miles mean little for these types of fluids to swell and seal leaks.
It is done by contact with the oil.
You can get 400 miles in one day, or one month.
Some gaskets will not be affected - they can't be helped.

But it sure seems like it is too soon no matter what.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Originally Posted By: dan3952
I haven't used Maxlife since 2007 because it burned just as much as with any other oil, at least with the problem I have, rings, it didn't help. My rear main leak was caused by one oil overfill and it didn't get any worse after that. I also don't like switching to heavier oil weights my engine didn't like that it made a lot more noise


I switched to MaxLife in my girlfriend's Grand Am for consumption issues and it didn't help it at all. Still burning the same amount. I'll probably just go back to regular conventional because I don't see the need to pay extra for it in that particular application.

 

[addyguy]

I'd start using a thicker grade of Maxlife, like 10W-40, to do top-offs to see if a thicker oil will help. Can't hurt during the spring/summer......