Easy Oil Leak Fix

[Lynn B]

I just learned about a real easy oil leak fix for your Engine, Stick Transmission, Or Differential. My aircraft mechanic (and many others) makes a mixture of red locktite and MethelEthylKeytone (MEK) so that it flows relative easy. Then he uses a shop Vacuum on the oil fill tube, to cause a slight negative pressure in the crankcase. It is just enough to draw the mixture into the gasket area where the leak is. He lets it dry for 12 hours and the leak is repaired until the next engine teardown.
NOTE: it is not recommended to take apart the crankcase halfs's, on an Aircraft engine, for every little leak that shows up, and excess oil in the engine area can lead to fire.
This could be very helpful for those pesky leaks that happen, especially around the back corner of the intake manifold.

[Dave Owens]

Lynn,

How long does he keep the vacuumn on for? Just long enough to get the material to wick in?

[Lynn B]

Hi Dave,
Yes, Just long enough to see it draw into the leak spot. Any more would leave a glob inside the engine. Not so critical on an automotive application, but in Aircraft it is a little more critical, especially since many aircraft do not have an oil filter, just a screen.