Topic: Oil Leak Treatment Safe for Bikes?

[ron.cieri.313]

Hi all...ron again with my Honda CB750K ('76)...all is really well with the bike but now that I've been running here around a bit starting to notice the smaller things like....a very small oil leak from the front side of the cylinder head just to the outside of the spark plug for cylinder #3.  Small leak like a couple drops of oil left on the top of the engine block just under the leak. 

I used some gasket goo from me splitting the cases episode and brushed some of that on the outside which decreased the leakage and was wondering if I should try some oil leak treatment from the auto store?...thoughts?

I know the "right" way is to replace the cylinder head gasket but enjoying the bike right now...btw, do you have to pull the engine out of the frame to replace the gasket?

...thanks!

[Bob Wessner]

Remember anything you put in the oil will be shared with the clutch.

[ron.cieri.313]

Right...I know its generally considered a "no no" for those oil friction additives...and if tried this it would be less then the recommended amount to test overall impact first.

Think I might head over to cycle shop and see if they have anything.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

I have used a needle and syringe from the farm store filled with ultra black silicone to force sealant in from the outside.  Allow to cure over night and leak cured.  You might also try just running it some.  I can assure you, it will get better, get worse, or stay the same. 

[ron.cieri.313]

lol...yes, it certainly will...tell me more about "ultra black silicone"...is this specific type/brand or any high temp silicone will do?

[madmatt1]

Ultra-black is made by Permatex, it's a silicone gasket maker. It sets up quickly, withstands
temps of up to 500 degrees, and is very resistant to oil and fluids. Honestly, I don't really know
why anybody would use that orange crap, knowing that this stuff exists. Just keep in mind that if
you're trying to seal up an area that has been leaking oil, you're going to have to get that area very
clean and dry before you can achieve a proper seal. Good luck! 

[ron.cieri.313]

Thanks Matt...will give it a try...used the Lucas oil sealer additive also but have only given it one test drive since.

[ron.cieri.313]

well the ultra black held up initially and then I found a leak...albeit a smaller one.  Going to try add some more in the trouble spot and if that doesn't work, reclean, and reapply one more time....eventually if I stay neurotic on this I'm just going to have to replace the gasket.

[cb650]

Ive used it sparingly in my bikes with no problems.  One bottle lasts 4 oil changes.  Probly not enough to do any good either.   

[ron.cieri.313]

Yea, my experience too so far...I was a bit conservative on the amount but so no difference.

I have had some success with the ultra black with limited the leak and I'm currently reapplying.

[1974CB750rider]

There are several threads on this here. I currently use the paper towell method. Cut the the paper towels in half then roll them up and useing a screw driver carefully wedge the them in the area between the head and cylinder bank. You have to change them out every now and again but its a cheap fix till you can tear it down. Paper towels won't ignite and they soak up the oil that is leaking.

[seaweb11]

paint the head black

[florence]

If the oil leak isn't monstrously large why worry about it?  I would be inclined to leave it alone as long as your boots aren't getting oily.

[dave500]

put a triumph sticker on the tank,we dont want hondas getting a bad name.

[enThrall]

LOL @ Dave500's comment 

I'm more of a cheap/ghetto person myself. Two years ago, when I still owned my CB400TII Hawk, I put an oil seal additive in my crankcase. It worked wonders, sealed it up, and the clutch still worked great. Hope this helped 

[ron.cieri.313]

Lol...great comments guys...esp luv the Triumph one.

The leak is very small so it is interesting to hear the opinion about leaving it alone. but...I know me...like a lot of us I can't leave okay alone, it has to be fixed...I have the disease.

I will take a pic and you all can see exactly where the leaks is coming from.

Question though...if oil is leaking out, can air be leaking in and causing some my irregular idle problems?

[Cuts Crooked]

Question though...if oil is leaking out, can air be leaking in and causing some my irregular idle problems?

Not likely. It would have to leaking into the combustion chamber to becausing any problems like that....and you would KNOW if there was a leak into the combustion chambers!!!!

[ron.cieri.313]

Ah, good, so this pretty much a cosmetic/minor mess issue...hmmmm, I'll have to think about pulling the engine then for this.

[WilliamA]

It is better to go ahead and replace the gasket that waste the time and energy with all of the temporary fixes

[gnarlycharlie4u]

I'm pretty sure if you read the bottle it says not for motorcycle use.

If you check your Honda manual it says do not use any additives whatsoever.

[cb650]

They also dont want you to modify the bike in anyway either.   

[gnarlycharlie4u]

They also dont want you to modify the bike in anyway either.   

lol yea I think the only place it specifically states that is in reference to the exhaust

[dave500]

preserve nature always wear a helmet, modifying your old honda will void any warranty.,they do have a 40 year warranty dont they?ive never liked additives ,like injector cleaners and stop leaks and auto trans refresher,its all rubbish.if the stuff was that good a little would be put in your oil and petrol and what not and the factory and youd never have a break down.i put up with a little weep,thats just my wife.