Flex Seal is a well-known product, lauded for its ability to patch, bond, seal and repair almost anything. It’s gaining popularity in many DIY repair projects because of its versatility and ease of use. But can you use Flex Seal on an oil pan? This article explores that question in detail, providing expert insight for both automotive do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike.
Understanding Flex Seal
Flex Seal is a liquid rubber sealant in a spray can designed to coat, seal and stop leaks quickly. It’s easy to use and comes in a portable aerosol spray can or a large can for larger applications. It creates a waterproof seal that can be painted over when dry.
Flex Seal adheres to most surfaces and is resistant to weather, extreme temperatures and pressure. It’s often used for home repairs, including leaky gutters, roofs, and more. However, when it comes to automotive applications, such as sealing an oil pan, things get a little more complex.
Flex Seal and Oil Pans: A Complicated Relationship
An oil pan is a critical part of your car. It holds the engine oil that’s needed to lubricate, cool, and clean the engine’s internal parts. Given the high temperatures and pressures involved, the oil pan must be strong and durable.
Can Flex Seal be used on an oil pan? Technically yes, it can adhere to the metal surface of the oil pan and cover a small hole or crack, at least temporarily. Flex Seal can withstand temperatures up to 350°F, and an oil pan typically doesn’t get any hotter than that.
However, using Flex Seal as a long-term solution to an oil pan leak is not recommended for several reasons:
- Durability concerns: Flex Seal is not designed to withstand long-term exposure to engine oil. Over time, the seal may degrade or peel off, causing the leak to return.
- Heat and Pressure: While Flex Seal can withstand typical oil pan temperatures, conditions can vary. If the engine is running particularly hot, or if the car is being driven hard, the oil pan may become hotter than usual, which could compromise the Flex Seal.
- Professional repairs: An oil pan is a critical part of your vehicle’s engine. If it’s leaking, it’s often a sign of a more serious problem that requires professional inspection and repair.
Recommended Sealants for Repairing Oil Pan Leaks
When it comes to repairing an oil pan leak, there are several sealant options available. The choice of sealant will depend on the specific circumstances and the type of oil pan material. Here are a few commonly recommended sealants:
- RTV Silicone Sealant: RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone sealant is a popular choice for oil pan repairs. It forms a flexible and durable seal that can withstand high temperatures and oil exposure. Be sure to select an RTV silicone sealant specifically designed for automotive applications.
- Anaerobic sealant: Anaerobic sealants are designed to cure in the absence of air and provide excellent sealing properties for oil pan applications. They are resistant to oil, gasoline, and other automotive fluids. Be sure to choose an anaerobic gasket maker that is suitable for oil pan repairs.
- Oil pan gasket: In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the oil pan gasket altogether. Oil pan gaskets are typically made of rubber, cork, or a combination of materials. Be sure to select a quality gasket that is compatible with your specific vehicle make and model.
- Epoxy putty: Epoxy putty can be used as a temporary fix for small leaks. It is a two-part adhesive that forms a strong bond when mixed together. However, it is important to note that epoxy putty is not a permanent solution and may need to be reapplied periodically.
Before applying any sealant, it is critical to thoroughly clean and degrease the oil pan surface to ensure proper adhesion. In addition, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the selected sealant to achieve the best results.
However, it’s worth noting that for significant or recurring oil pan leaks, it’s advisable to consult a professional mechanic or technician who can assess the situation and make appropriate repair recommendations.
Identifying Signs of a Serious Problem Related to an Oil Pan Leak
Here are some tips for identifying more serious problems related to an oil pan leak:
- Oil puddles or drips: If you consistently notice oil puddles or drips under your parked vehicle, this could indicate a significant oil pan leak. Check the area under the engine and the oil pan itself for signs of oil accumulation.
- Low oil level: Keep an eye on your vehicle’s oil level. If you need to add oil frequently between oil changes or notice a sudden drop in oil level, it could be a sign of a more serious oil pan leak or other oil-related problem.
- Engine overheating: Lack of oil due to a significant oil pan leak can result in inadequate lubrication, which can cause increased friction and heat in the engine. If you observe your engine temperature rising above normal levels, this could indicate a problem related to oil circulation.
- Burning odor or smoke: A severe oil leak can cause oil to drip onto hot engine components, resulting in a burning smell or smoke coming from under the hood. This situation should be addressed immediately as it is a fire hazard and can cause engine damage.
- Abnormal engine noise: Insufficient lubrication caused by an oil pan leak can lead to increased friction and unusual engine noises. Listen for knocking, grinding, or other unusual noises that may indicate internal engine damage.
- Warning lights: Keep an eye on your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights. A low oil pressure warning light or engine warning light can indicate a serious oil leak or related engine problems. If any warning lights are illuminated, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
- Visual inspection: Inspect the oil pan itself for signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose bolts. In addition, inspect other nearby components, such as gaskets, seals, and drain plugs, as these can also contribute to oil leaks.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to address the problem immediately. Continuing to ride with a serious oil leak can result in engine damage and costly repairs. It is recommended that you consult a qualified mechanic or technician who can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.
The Bottom Line
While Flex Seal is a versatile product with many uses, it should not be used as a permanent solution to fixing an oil pan leak. It may work as a temporary fix in an emergency situation, but you should take the vehicle to a professional mechanic as soon as possible to properly address the problem.
Using the correct automotive sealant or, ideally, replacing a damaged oil pan will ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle’s engine. Always remember that attempting to repair with inappropriate materials can lead to more significant problems down the road, including serious engine damage.
FAQ
Can You Use Flex Seal on oil pan?
Will Flex Seal work on an oil pan leak?
The Flex seal won’t stop the leak. Don’t use the stop leak fix in a bottle as they don’t fix anything. The leak may be stopped for a while, but it will be back and worse.
How do you seal an oil pan leak?
Quote from video: So go ahead and drain the oil wire brush it then take some carb cleaner a braid cleaner spray the area to get it clean. And that will just evaporate really quick because it’s what it does.
Where should you not use Flex Seal?
We do not recommend using Flex Seal on foam. Some foams may react poorly with Flex Seal, and may warp or dissolve. We also do not recommend using it in situations where it is subjected to high heat or pressure (such as engine radiators) or gas tanks. We do not recommend the use of Flex Seal spray on vinyl.
Can you patch a leaking oil pan?
You may be able to fix a cracked oil pan yourself, depending on the size of the break. The repair can be completed in just a couple of hours, but you’ll have to wait an additional 15 to 24 hours before the car will be ready to drive again.
Can You Use Flex Seal on a car engine?
Extra layer of protection: You can spray Flex Seal on your car’s undercarriage, wheel wells, and truck bed as a protective barrier against rust, rocks, and debris. You can use it on your toolbox to make it waterproof.
How do you fix a rusty oil pan?
Quote from video: In my situation I chose to sandblast it clean the cleaner you get it the better the paint will stick. After sandblasting I washed the oil pan inside and out with soap.
How serious is an oil pan leak?
While it might seem easy to ignore a few drops of oil on your driveway, it’s always a bad idea. Left unaddressed, a small oil leak can grow into a larger, much more expensive repair. Plus, if the leak worsens while a vehicle is in operation, it can cause the engine to seize.
Will permatex Stop oil leak?
Permatex Spray Sealant
The wicking action seals hard-to-reach leaks without the need for disassembling or removing parts. Designed specifically to target low pressure leaks in hoses, oil pans, differentials, transmission pans, fluid reservoirs as well as plastic, PVC and metal pipes, their connections and much more!.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked oil pan?
An oil pan replacement can cost anywhere between $20 and $1000, depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Other factors that may affect its price include the pan’s brand, capacity, material, and whether or not it comes with a gasket kit.
How long will Flex Seal last?
Q: How long does it last? A: Flex Shot will last up to 30 years and will not fade, dry, crack, yellow or deteriorate.
Does Flex Seal work on metal?
Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl. Plus, it won’t sag or drip in the summer heat, and it won’t crack or peel in the winter cold. It even prevents corrosion.
Does Flex Seal withstand heat?
It’s always best to test a small area first. Q: What temperatures will it withstand? A: Flex Seal® Liquid has a wide temperature range from -80 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For best results, we recommend applying it to surfaces and substrates in temperatures between 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is seal all heat resistant?
Fast-drying and clear, SEAL-ALL® can withstand changes in climate, insulating and toughening with age. Known as “the repair kit in a tube,” it does not require mixing or heating, does not become brittle in cold weather and resists water, gasoline, oil and most solvents.
Is Flex Seal flammable?
At normal Flex Seal storage temperatures, there are no flammable or explosive vapors above the liquid surface. When involved in a fire, this material may decompose and produce black, sooty smoke, irritating vapors and toxic gases (e.g., carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides).
Does Lucas engine oil Stop leak work?
Quote from video: And very specific base stocks designed to stop cilix in engines. It contains nothing that could be harmful to an engine.
Does Blue Devil work on oil pan gaskets?
Adding BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak to your engine oil will start to restore your oil pan gasket to its original size and shape even if it is cracked or shrunken sealing your leak quickly and permanently. You can find BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak at any of our partnering local auto parts stores like: AutoZone.
What does it mean when your oil pan is leaking?
Most commonly, this happens when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket are over-tightened. It can also happen when tightness is not evenly distributed. Another reason can be the improper attachment of the oil filter, as the engine oil flows continuously through it, and if it’s loose, you can experience a leak there.
How long does Blue Devil oil Stop leak take to work?
Treats 4 to 6 quarts of motor oil. Start engine or equipment and operate for 1 to 2 hours or until leak has stopped (for extreme leaks up to 2 days drive time may be required).
Does BlueDevil damage your engine?
Is Blue Devil Bad for Your Engine? The answer is a resounding no. And if you are wondering about the safety of using other brands of rear main seal conditioners and stop-leak products like Bar’s Leak or Justice Brothers, don’t worry. They almost all use the same active ingredient.
Can you put BlueDevil in your oil?
Quote from video: Your oil cap all right take your oil cap off and pour. One bottle just eight ounces total in your engine. Oil one bottle of treats four to six quarts of oil now to replace the cap shut the hood.