Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
I am guessing it is gaskets breaking down, but what can we do to keep high mileage motors from being wet underneath or leaving drops on the carport.
The only gasket that breaks down is the head gasket. They call it the head gasket cos the repair bill will do your head in, as it's an expensive job.
Oil seals are much more of an issue and they often wear out because of corrosion of the associated shaft combined with ingress of ultra fine dirt particles from the road. Failing to use a good quality oil or not using the engine for long time periods are the main causes. If the engine is not used the seal dries out as will part ofthe shaft, so what you find is crevice corrosion. Obviously off roading or broken engine underguards are not good news.
If you do have oil leaks that are beyond economic repair, then switch to a high mileage oil like Maxlife or GTX 15w40 (Summer only) AND move up one grade. So if you are using a 5w30, move up to Maxlife 10w40 or similar (Make sure it has the correct API or Acea cat).
If you need to use an 0w oil cos of cold winters, try half a can of a major brand stop leak additive like Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver with your normal major brand full synthetic oil.