Crankshaft Oil Leak

[simon.b]

The bottom end of my Griff 500 has always been wet with oil but it has never dripped, until last week, so I’ve left it alone. I had an MOT yesterday and asked the garage to have a look while up on the ramps, they said it was both crankshaft oil seals and no thanks we don’t want to fix it.

They suggested that I left it for now unless it gets worse, but also mentioned I could put an additive into the oil which softens the seal rubber, apparently they have used it in the past with some successes but no grantee.

Has anyone used this stuff ?

Cheers,

Simon.

[Painey]

I've no idea about this stuff that supposedly softens rubber seals but I had a rear crackshaft oil seal go about 18 months agoi and was told that unless it was fixed, it could lead to oil knackering the clutch. Obviously I got it fixed as soon as I could, albeit at the cost of about £400 due to the amount of labour involved.

All the best - Chris

[griffter]

simon.b said:

Has anyone used this stuff ?

Yes, twice, not on the TVR. It didn't do a thing I'm afraid. You could try an oil change to a thicker grade? Of course this might increase the oil pressure and make things worse!

[old64er]

i have used a Wynns (think thats how you spell it) additive that works.
i have used it on cars that i am going to sell, so i do not know its life span.
i have used similar products for power steering racks too.
If the leak is bad then as the post above says, it may cost you a clutch and i have also known it to blue the flywheel and cause juddering at the 'bite point'.

[simon.b]

Thanks guy’s,

I already use 15w50 and don’t want to go any thicker. It isn’t that bad so I’ll think I’ll leave it alone for a while and just keep watching it, She’s done 35k so I could take the plunge and get the clutch done as well, though there’s no problems with that either at the moment. I am due a service in a three months, probably decide what to do then.

Cheers,

Simon.