Kreen and oil leaks.

[Russell]

I have used Kreen twice on my BMW in the past two years. Recently (for at least 6 months) I noticed some oil leaks. I also recently spent a bunch of money fixing some of them with new gaskets, However, it seems my oil pan gasket is still leaking a little. Yes I know about High Mileage oils and seal swellers etc.

I am just wondering if Kreen cleaned so well it revealed poor gasket seals. I think it is just 18 years and over 220,000 miles of "experience" and not Kreen. Just curious.

 

[LeakySeals]

I had a similar experience. But I had "weeps" prior. Went back to a weep after subsequent oil changes. Kreen is both thinning and cleaning so if there is a leak plugged with deposits, it may be exposed during cleanup. Does it "chew" on a weak or older gasket? Kreen has been around since the 1940's. Used commercially. No reports of mass leaks. Seals are more resistant than ever, would think that potential is diminished from years ago. Who really knows.

Are you positive there were no leaks or weeps/wet spots prior to using Kreen? The new gasket thats leaking, can you explain the relationship to Kreen?

 

[JHZR2]

If its just an oil pan gasket, no worries, if its like my BMW, it simple.

Nothing really can fix 18 years and rotted and heat cycled...

 

[Russell]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
I had a similar experience. But I had "weeps" prior. Went back to a weep after subsequent oil changes. Kreen is both thinning and cleaning so if there is a leak plugged with deposits, it may be exposed during cleanup. Does it "chew" on a weak or older gasket? Kreen has been around since the 1940's. Used commercially. No reports of mass leaks. Seals are more resistant than ever, would think that potential is diminished from years ago. Who really knows.

Are you positive there were no leaks or weeps/wet spots prior to using Kreen? The new gasket thats leaking, can you explain the relationship to Kreen?

I think there was some leakage. Again, not saying that Kreen caused the leakges The gaskets that were replaced were in different ares. No leaking on my new gaskets. My mechanic and I rechecked. The current leak, after eliminated the other leaks, seems to be the oil pan gasket at the rear of the engine and not main seal. I also have a small transmission cooler leak near the radiator that is not related to kreen.

 

[mongo161]

It would also help to disclose the type of material is used in the BMW gaskets?

If I'm not mistaken.......

A while back someone mentioned that the Mercedes, which most likely includes all German made cars, was using an older type of material that promoted leaks in their vehicles. I would have to think that that problem has been fixed.

Maybe someone with a lot of experience with this issue can chime on the gasket issue with older MB.BMW. VW, Audi etc.....

 

[Russell]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
If its just an oil pan gasket, no worries, if its like my BMW, it simple.

Nothing really can fix 18 years and rotted and heat cycled...
I agree. However, not really simple on the M50, especially DIY. Generally the sub frame must be dropped and engine raised. Per my indy about a $500 job. Not bad enough to really fix at this time.

 

[Russell]

Originally Posted By: mongo161
It would also help to disclose the type of material is used in the BMW gaskets?

If I'm not mistaken.......

A while back someone mentioned that the Mercedes, which most likely includes all German made cars, was using an older type of material that promoted leaks in their vehicles. I would have to think that that problem has been fixed.

Maybe someone with a lot of experience with this issue can chime on the gasket issue with older MB.BMW. VW, Audi etc.....


Cool. Wish I knew as well.

 

[bigjl]

Originally Posted By: mongo161
It would also help to disclose the type of material is used in the BMW gaskets?

If I'm not mistaken.......

A while back someone mentioned that the Mercedes, which most likely includes all German made cars, was using an older type of material that promoted leaks in their vehicles. I would have to think that that problem has been fixed.

Maybe someone with a lot of experience with this issue can chime on the gasket issue with older MB.BMW. VW, Audi etc.....


And you think this was correct why exactly?

I would hardly think you can generalise with every manufacturer in a Country.

As that would obviously mean that all US manufacturers all use the same materials at all times.

And I would really have doubts if Mercedes were to use inferior gasket materials, gaskets can and do leak after many years of use and after having gone through many heat cycles.

Though I am not saying Mercedes don't make mistakes, the drop in build quality and use of poor quality rust proofing during the mid to late ninties and early part of the "naughties"
Certainly shows that.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: bigjl
Originally Posted By: mongo161
It would also help to disclose the type of material is used in the BMW gaskets?

If I'm not mistaken.......

A while back someone mentioned that the Mercedes, which most likely includes all German made cars, was using an older type of material that promoted leaks in their vehicles. I would have to think that that problem has been fixed.

Maybe someone with a lot of experience with this issue can chime on the gasket issue with older MB.BMW. VW, Audi etc.....


And you think this was correct why exactly?

I would hardly think you can generalise with every manufacturer in a Country.

As that would obviously mean that all US manufacturers all use the same materials at all times.

And I would really have doubts if Mercedes were to use inferior gasket materials, gaskets can and do leak after many years of use and after having gone through many heat cycles.

Though I am not saying Mercedes don't make mistakes, the drop in build quality and use of poor quality rust proofing during the mid to late ninties and early part of the "naughties"
Certainly shows that.


I think it was me he was referencing and it was BMW, not Mercedes I was speaking of. They use rubber instead of silicone for their valve cover gaskets, which hardens and leaks over time. Most of the North American manufacturers use silicone rubber, at least I know Ford does.

 

[Donald]

If its a gasket as is leaking it should be replaced. The High Mileage oils have seal swelling additives that are more geared for hard or expensive to replace seals. But maybe a re-torque of the oil pan bolts will help.