I'm on the synthetic side......I'm on the dyno side.........

[trpower7]

Recently I have noticed that my S13's rear main seal and oil pan gasket are TOAST and leak at an alarming rate. Being an uber-poor college student I have neither the time, tools, or money to fix either of these things. I have installed an oil pressure gauge to make sure pressure is always up, but today I thought of something. I switched the car to Mobil1 10-30 when I got it at roughly 135K miles. I believe switching to a thicker dyno oil would up the pressure and decrease the leak, not to mention stop killing my budget. However, urban legend has said that to switch from synthetic oil back to dyno oil is catastrophic on an engine. Fact or fiction?

[Nismo_Freak]

IB Fred posts a 10,000 page long reply



Gaskets are easy to replace on the oil pan. It's the rear main that requires a little more effort.

[PGZX3]

rear main seal is childs play doode, well, i guess if you're in my situation...replacing the engine and all.......

[trpower7]

Rear Main Seal: R&R transmission, clutch, flywheel, remove old seal and install new. Not exactly an overnight job or one for someone with lack of tools, workspace, hell, even work area, time, or money.

Oil Pan Gasket: Either raise engine or lower subframe, both of which are very involved, R&R oil pan, bang out dent, replace gasket. Same as above with regard to time, tools, money, and workspace.

I need viable opinions, I've read a billion posts on oil and am very well versed on the subject. Just wanted to know if anyone else has actually DONE this.

[PalmerWMD]

try 20w-50 Valvoline or Castrol GTX in 20w-50.

Fred..

PS: your ok with switching back problems are rare and nearly unheard of w/ modern syns as they are fully miscible.

[trpower7]

Excellent, I believe that an oil that thick and possibly an anti-leak additive can tide me over until budget/time/tools become available to do the repairs. It sucks knowing exactly how to do it but lacking time..........

[PalmerWMD]

Dont bother w/ anit-leak additives unless the 50 weight oils doesnt do it for you.

All anti leak additives usually is, is "120 weight" oil that the manufacturer hopes will make the total mix thick enough to stop leaks.

Fred...