oil leak

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by dmg1969

Glatt is right.

Oil pan leak = not too expensive.

Head gasket = expensive.

Yeah, there are a number of cheap leaks, pan gasket, valve cover gasket, dipstick pipe, oil filter, oil pressure sensor, or anything else like that. You might use a little heavier oil, but it would be better to find out if it's a cheap leak first.
Make sure the pcv valve isn't plugged and causing excess pressure in the pan.

Last but not least, Google it. It's amazing what you can find.

[sexobon]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

... You might use a little heavier oil, ...

I have an '07 Sonata, 3.2L V6, in which I've changed the oil myself (I use Castrol full synthetic oil) since I bought the car new. When I've bought Hyundai oil filters from the dealership (to maintain warranties), the mechanics cautioned me to use only 5W20 weight oil even though the owner's manual says that 5W20 or 5W30 can be used. They said that the engine oil system was designed expressly for use with 5W20 and that heavier oils could cut down oil flow. They had no reason to make this up as I wasn't buying either the oil or the oil change service from them. I don't know if this applies to earlier models of the Sonata and engine variations like the V4; but, I thought I'd mention it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

That's true, and I mentioned it's a last resort. But on a 13/14 year old engine with what I presume has mucho mileage, that he's trying to keep going a while longer, it might help. Of course that's if it's a rear(side?) main, or something majorly expensive to fix.

Your newish V-6, adhering to the manufacturer's spec is a very good idea. Btw, isn't there something about replacing two O-rings when you change the filter on that V-6? Long gone are the winter 20w, summer 30w, days.

I don't see an advantage to synthetic other than it won't coke(burn) if the engine overheats. I gets contaminated, and the additives dissipate, at the same rate as regular oil, so there's no extended use advantage, I use it in one of my vehicles because that engine runs very close to too hot by design, with very little cushion for an aw-shit.