Friendly experience with ATP AT-205 Reseal
 

Now I have not used this stuff yet, nor have I had to, but I came across the stuff a while ago and wanted some opinions from you guys. I am already expecting the "snake oil" comments and such. Anyway, the product is called ATP AT-205 Reseal, and apparently works wonders on small oil leaks. Have any of you guys ever heard of or used this stuff before? Specifically in the Ecotec? Just asking out of curiosity, is all.

Thanks!:thumb:

has some pretty good reviews...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/atp-at205

Yes. I read this whole thing about it being harmful to plastic, Teflon and what have you, but I just spoke to a rep on the phone who stated that he knew the exact thread that I was referring to on bobistheoilguy and he stated that it is a myth that was misinformed the years ago that thread was made. He said the only time it could cause a worse leak than what you have is if the gasket was so severely torn or ripped and hardened that way when it is rejuvenated it could let more seepage by. I was thinking about trying it. I have a waterfall type of leak that culminated on the bottom of the oil pan; seems to be coming from above the pan and doesn't look like the typical oil sender leak that people here have had. It is so insignificant that I lose less than half a quart every 10,000 miles. Just figured id look into this stuff and see if anyone here has had success. no one likes an oily oil pan! just an eye sore, is all. And hey, if this stuff can rejuvenate rubber without over saturating it then I am all for it. Seems like a legitimate product! They also manufacture transmission parts, so I sure they wouldn't sell something that would be harmful to either a transmission or engine.

IN general, that type of product works by swelling the rubber. That is fine; until you change your oil and don't use it again. The rubber tends to go back to it's former shape with a vengeance, thus causing new leaks.

I have never even seen that product and don't know any specifics.

Aparently the formulation this stuff uses does not swell/overswell the gaskets it merely gives them their elasticity back, returning them to their original shape. The rep told me that if the product comes into contact with a healthy gasket it will not modify the gasket in any way, but rejuvenate hardened gaskets. It is designed as a one time use treatment (apparent), and the bottle even says to consult professional help if the leak is not sealed withing 5 hours of run time. It is a clear liquid with the consistency of water. Main ingredient is Glycol Ether. People seem to have some success with it, based on reviews.

Snake Oil! An elixir for the feeble of mind, and short on wrenches! A tonic to address leaks on a very short term to allow time to sell the old heap!!
I've found sawdust will quiet down a noisy gearbox, but not for long!!

I would not be putting anti-freeze in my oil. It is a good lubricant though, it is in eye drops.

I think that chemical name is the same as ethylene glycol. May be wrong.

Apparently it is an "ether" of Ethylene Glycol.

It's in a lotta things

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ether

Since it doesn't seal by swelling existing gaskets and seals, there is likely some property of it that "plugs" the leak or mixes with the oil to create a substance that plugs the leak. How else would it stop a leak?

Given the VVT system on our Ecotecs that use engine oil for activation, I would be concerned that it might plug some small passages or affect the VVT solenoids.

If I had an older car without VVT I might try it but personally I wouldn't in my HHR.

Steve

I had not thought of VVT. Good point!

Even stuff like STP is suspect with the VVT.

GM says don't use any additives, but the dealership sells the expensive stuff. Before they got caught they were selling power steering flushes.

GM even has TSBs against additives and flushes that are routinely offered by Service Departments. That leads me to believe that they are useless.

You know I didn't think of vvt either which I have in my 2.4. Apparently it causes a chemical reaction in rubber only and gives the Rubber elasticity without making it soft or harming it's integrity. It doesn't do what the others do apparently and is meant as a one time use. It's got a pretty good reputation I just am curious exactly how it works. Also, it just mixes with the oil and doesn't react with or bond to it. When it flows past rubber with the oil it reacts with the rubber it contacts. Some people even spray the stuff onto bushings and other rubber suspension stuff. Interesting! I know the other thick additive gum up and overswell gaskets and make a mess of the oil pan but this stuff according to reviews just works without any of those side effects somehow.

and since the stuff doesn't thicken the oil more change viscosity properties the risk of harm to the vvt system would be a non issue. I think the additive that change how the oil acts inside the engine would, and that's probably what was in the tsb.

Polyethelene glycol is Miralax.

Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol commonly used in paints and cleaners. These solvents typically have a higher boiling point, together with the favorable solvent properties of lower-molecular weight ethers and alcohols.

I don't understand lol 😂

Banana peels and all work good too.