Based on the provided reference, the general guideline for using oil stop leak is to use 20% of the system capacity.
Recommended Usage
The amount of oil stop leak needed depends on the capacity of the system you are treating, such as the engine oil system, automatic transmission, hydrostat transmission, or hydraulic system.
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Standard Recommendation: Use 20% of the system capacity.
- Example: If your engine uses 4 quarts of motor oil (system capacity), you would typically add 1 quart of oil stop leak (1 quart is 25% of 4 quarts, but the reference example states 1 quart to 4 quarts, which aligns with the 20% guideline if considering the total mix or slightly more concentrated initially). The reference specifically provides the example: 1 quart LUCAS ENGINE OIL STOP LEAK to 4 quarts of motor oil. This ratio (1 part stop leak to 4 parts oil) effectively represents adding the stop leak equivalent to 20% of the existing oil volume, leading to a slightly higher total volume.
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Usually Adequate: 10% of the system capacity is often sufficient for stopping leaks.
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Badly Worn Units: For systems that are badly worn and leaking more severely, more than 20% can be used.
Understanding System Capacity
System capacity refers to the total amount of fluid the system is designed to hold. For engine oil, this is the amount specified in your vehicle's owner's manual when changing the oil and filter. For other systems like transmissions or hydraulics, it's the total fill capacity.
Quick Reference Guide
Here's a simple breakdown based on the reference:
| Condition | Recommended Amount | Example (for a 5-quart system) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Use | 20% of system capacity | Approx. 1 quart |
| General Adequacy | 10% of system capacity | Approx. 0.5 quarts (16 fl oz) |
| Badly Worn Unit | More than 20% | More than 1 quart |
Always ensure the total fluid level in the system does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum level after adding the stop leak.
