My 1989 D100 was sitting for a while when I bought it. I have seen the additives claiming to soften and restore seals, stop leaks etc. Is there any truth to these claims? Do they work or are they a waste of cash? Are these additives good for older vehicles or more for the newer stuff?

 

Waste of money.
All they do is thicken the oil and make it harder for the engine to pump it. Next oil change will just wash it all out.

If you want to fix oil leaks you are far better off just taking the time and replacing the seals that need to be done.

 

Good advice from dodge dude94.

Stop leak is good for small radiator leaks but not for the oil.

 

You can try something like Valvoline Max Life engine oil. It basically causes the gaskets to swell slightly. I have experience with it and have noticed it does help with some leaks. But it's pretty easy to replace gaskets.

It does not work with seals.

 

Have you seen what stop leak actually does to radiators?
It's bad. If you're broke and WILL replace the rad when you have money, go for it.
If you consider it permanent, no way. lol

 

No additive is permanent but it beats walking.

 

Like I said, if you're going to replace the rad when you get the cash, go for it.
lol

Stuff is nasty, clogs up your entire cooling system with this brown sludge...

 

That is because you are apparently using the wrong kind of stop leak. I prefer the small tubes of stop leak that come in both copper and aluminum flecks. Works well and doesn't do the things you have experienced.

 

I have not had a problem with it since rads are cheap enough to replace. There was a thread a while back in the 2nd gen section with pictures.

I think it was Bar's stop leak or something, it wasn't what you describe that's for sure. lol

 

I agree with Bars leak. I haven't used that in 35 years. Here is the stuff I prefer.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ontent=7120024