Who has used "Bar's Leak Read Main Seal Repair?"

[tpfeffer]

Unfortunately, I have what appears to be a rear main seal leak on my '83 R100RS. I have oil dripping off the rear edge the oil pan. I replaced the oil pan gasket hoping that was the culprit, but no luck. So, I am considering Bar's Leaks Rear Main Seal Repair engine oil additive. The can says, "Most leaks stop within 100 miles or 2 days of driving. One bottle (32 oz) treats 4 to 6 quarts of oil."

I am due for an oil change. I thought I could drain out 16 oz of oil and put that amount of Bar's Leak. Either way, I would only leave it in for a short period and then replace the oil.

So, what is the opinion, super cure or snakeoil??
__________________
Thanks
Tom
tpfeffer@gmail.com

[ksann]

Temporary band-aid. If I was on a road-trip, I would use it to get home, but the seal-swelling is only temporary.


Fix it the right way is my suggestion.


ken

[rgbeard]

I've used several "block sealers" on cars in the past.  Never on a motorcycle.  I've torn down car engines after using these types of additives.  The active ingredient in the ones I've been exposed to is a kind of rubbery like substance that sets itself on surfaces.  That will cause seals to quit leaking.  This is also added in the "high mileage" oils, just in smaller quantities.

I'd be a little concerned about putting a block sealer in a motorcycle engine.  The clutch is in the same oil, and might become contaminated with the sealant.

You might take a main seal job, and make it a main seal and a clutch.

[tpfeffer]

I'd be a little concerned about putting a block sealer in a motorcycle engine.  The clutch is in the same oil, and might become contaminated with the sealant.

Ahh, that is where a BMW is different than most motorcycles.  The clutch is dry just like most rear wheel drive cars.  The crankcase oil serves only to lubricate the engine.  Does this change your view?

Tom

[Papa Lazarou]

I've used something similar to Bars in a bike. No problems encountered-but I didn't put the whole tin in......

[Bjorn Toulouse]

So, what is the opinion, super cure or snakeoil??

An excellent temporary fix if: 1) you are planning on selling the bike 2) you just want to get the bike to the shop for proper repair.
If you are going to keep the bike, fix it correctly.


Rex

[rgbeard]

Ahh, that is where a BMW is different than most motorcycles.  The clutch is dry just like most rear wheel drive cars.  The crankcase oil serves only to lubricate the engine.  Does this change your view?

Tom

Yes, this changes my view.  I agree that it's a good temporary fix.  Your seals will eventually degrade further and the leak will reach a point where this product does not fix it.  When will that happen?  Dunno.

[Walker]

I'd be concerned for plugging any small oil passageways or bearing orifices, which could lead to more work in the long run.  Personally I'd just fix the problem (R&R the leaking seal.)

[Andrew]

Do the right think,  r&r the seal.

 The "fix in a can" is only a temporary cure at best, at worst causes a lot of crud to build up in the crankcase and oil passages.