K11 Owners Group Forum Index K11 Owners Group
K11 Owners Group
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Restore engine treatment

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    K11 Owners Group Forum Index -> Product Reviews
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:52 pm    Post subject: Restore engine treatment Reply with quote

Restore is an engine treatment that supposedly restores compression. It's got some crud in it (higly techncical term there Laughing) that supposedly fills in and bonds to the scratches on cylinder walls in order to restore compression.



Some people claim it's snake oil and the proper thing to do is rebuild the engine. Well duh. But if you don't want to spend numerous hours/$$$ or a few grand having someone else rebuild your engine then this is a simple, relatively low-cost alternative.

So here's a thread with some real data from real people about how it works on K bikes.

CASE #1: Recently, in another thread, Shog's original beast with oodles of miles began smoking so she and Steverino (her hubby for those not familiar with him) decided to give it a shot. (Half a can.)

Here's her original compression test results on her first K1100RS:

#1 cylinder: 110 Shocked
#2 cylinder: 170
#3 cylinder: 185
#4 cylinder: 185

She reports that it stopped smoking pretty quickly after adding the Restore and here are the compression test results after about 400 miles of riding:

#1 cylinder: 190
#2 cylinder: 195
#3 cylinder: 195
#4 cylinder: 195

(Correct me if anything I stated is wrong please, Gwen.)


CASE #2: A local guy recently picked up a 1990 K75RT for a good price with 4 or 5 previous owners and no maintenance history. I've been helping him get it sorted out and running properly.

Here's the initial compression test results:

#1 cylinder: 125
#2 cylinder: 115 Crying or Very sad
#3 cylinder: 130

(140 is kind of a decent minimum so this engine had not been well cared for.)

Based on Gwen's results I told the K75RT owner to add half a can of Restore, run it about four or five hundred miles and then give me a call to retest the compression. I went over to his place today and compression tested it again. Results:

#1 cylinder: 140
#2 cylinder: 140
#3 cylinder: 150

There you go, real data from real people you know. (Sort of.)

Conclusion: This stuff actually works. No, it's not an rebuild in a can but it does seem to work as advertised and if you don't want to sink a lot of time and money into an old car/bike then this seems like a worthwhile product.

A couple of caveats:

The "crud" is suspended in a can of 30W oil. When the can sits on the shelf this colloidal material (stuff suspended in a liquid - I have an engineering degree where I learned lots of fancy words) falls out of solution and sinks to the bottom of the can. If you're going to use it then make sure that you shake up the can really well before adding it.

It's advisable to use it on every oil change to keep your compression up.


CASE #3: MY K75F was built around an engine I knew nothing about that I got from a local guy. It runs pretty well but it compression tests at:

#1 cylinder: 130
#2 cylinder: 130
#3 cylinder: 140

Those are OK numbers but I'd like to improve them so I'll be adding some Restore on the next oil change and then retesting after several hundred miles to see how well it works on that bike. Might be a while but I will report back with results.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Mystic Red
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 28 Mar 2005
Posts: 2330
Location: Twin Lakes Idaho

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't be a wuss, just rebuild the engine. Razz
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
SugarHillCTD
Site Admin


Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4240
Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote




_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mystic Red wrote:
Don't be a wuss, just rebuild the engine. Razz



Oh pulllleeeeze. It's much easier and less expensive just to find another low mile engine for less than the parts for a rebuild would cost.

Less labor hours too. I realize that being snowed in in Idaho for six months at a time makes your time worth about $3/hour but even then it's worth just doing an engine swap.

Edit: F'n Teamster mentality. Laughing
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SugarHillCTD wrote:


Ever seen a coral snake in person? I have. It's not funny.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
SugarHillCTD
Site Admin


Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4240
Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just picked out a random snake image- didn't single out any particular species.

Was bitten by a rattlesnake 30+ years ago- I NEVER take snake bites lightly.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
John Clauss
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 729
Location: Robesonia, PA

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have used Engine Restore in two car engines. One was a Chrysler 225 slant six the other was a Toyota inline 4. On both it worked noticeably. The Chrysler stopped smoking and ran much better. The Toyota was like freaking new. Obviously it shouldn't take the place of a full rebuild if you are really serious or keeping the vehicle for a long time. But as a short term measure it works very well.

All that said I never used it in a bike.
_________________
1997 K1100LT
1975 R75/6

It will bring you so close to nausea, it will make you sick! - Big Al
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

John Clauss wrote:
I have used Engine Restore in two car engines. One was a Chrysler 225 slant six the other was a Toyota inline 4. On both it worked noticeably. The Chrysler stopped smoking and ran much better. The Toyota was like freaking new. Obviously it shouldn't take the place of a full rebuild if you are really serious or keeping the vehicle for a long time. But as a short term measure it works very well.

All that said I never used it in a bike.


Agreed.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
roadscum
Big Brick Rider


Joined: 10 May 2010
Posts: 73
Location: North Port, Florida

PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Is it good for snake bites??
_________________
"I don't believe in the after life, although I am bringing a change of underwear." - Woody Allen
'94 K11RS
'08 F800S
'08 MG 1200 Sport
'09 Triumph Scrambler
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
granth
Mad Brick Rider


Joined: 04 Aug 2010
Posts: 78
Location: Birmingham,England

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

An excellent post Duck, thanks.
I wish there was a more general trend towards this type of real world testing and feedback, its always useful to know
_________________
1993(94 MODEL) K1100RS IN ASTRAL BLUE
2006 URAL 750CC DALESMAN SIDECAR OUTFIT,
RED AND CREAM.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
whyoldbill
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 440
Location: in the boonies, northwest of Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:51 am    Post subject: Word of CAUTION Reply with quote

This stuff is NOT safe to use in all motorcycles. Only those with a Dry clutch, like the K1100.
Most japanese bikes have a wet-clutch and this stuff will really wreak havoc.
DAMHIK....
_________________
'02 - GL1800


The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship - George Clinton
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
merlin geikie
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 26 Dec 2008
Posts: 343
Location: Lismore far north coast nsw australia

PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nothing wrong with gook in a can that can get you where you wanna go... Smile

Thanks for the info ... always good to see a product that does what it says it does...well.

That being said, I saw the fine print on the can that said...'in case of snake bite pour the contents onto the snake to help it slither away fast and not bite you again' Wink Wink

Thanks Duck and any more info on the balancing beads?

best
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:15 am    Post subject: Re: Restore engine treatment Reply with quote

Flying Duck wrote:
CASE #3: MY K75F was built around an engine I knew nothing about that I got from a local guy. It runs pretty well but it compression tests at:

#1 cylinder: 130
#2 cylinder: 130
#3 cylinder: 140

Those are OK numbers but I'd like to improve them so I'll be adding some Restore on the next oil change and then retesting after several hundred miles to see how well it works on that bike. Might be a while but I will report back with results.


Didn't write down the exact mileage but I did add this to my K75F's oil a few hundred miles ago. I compression tested it yesterday with the following results:

#1 cylinder: 180
#2 cylinder: 175
#3 cylinder: 180

That's a pretty decent jump and is noticeable when riding. Since I use this as my "city" bike for running errands and am pretty hard on it I don't bother tracking mileage on this bike but I'd be willing to bet there's some decent improvement there as well. With gas prices where they are these days I'd guess that the product easily "pays for itself" on my Mobil 1 10k oil change intervals.

The doubting Thomases here can poo-poo on this product all they want but I've now personally seen it increase the compression on two K75s. My conclusion is that it works as advertised and, for an old engine, is worth the money and is MUCH easier than doing a real engine rebuild. (I'd never do a K75 engine rebuild anyhow given that it's fairly easy to find low mile K75 engines for only a couple of hundred bucks.)
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
merlin geikie
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 26 Dec 2008
Posts: 343
Location: Lismore far north coast nsw australia

PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Flying Duck writes;
Quote:
That's a pretty decent jump and is noticeable when riding


Yes it is.

I wonder how it does that, maybe sort of gets behind the rings and causes them to push out a little more or what?? Confused

Yes I have used Chem i Weld to mend cracked blocks as well and it worked fine.

Thanks Duck and I will be using my own beads to balance my tyres, maybe little ball bearings.

all the best and enjoy your riding Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

merlin geikie wrote:
I wonder how it does that, maybe sort of gets behind the rings and causes them to push out a little more or what??


It's got some sort of small particulate matter or some such that fills in the scratches on the piston walls or whatever. Much of that stuff sinks to the bottom of the can while on the shelf so it's important to shake the can well before adding it.

You also need to keep adding it every oil change or it eventually dissipates so it's not a one-time treatment but an ongoing thing.

At least that's the info I've gleaned about it by doing some poking around on the Interwebz.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
cw3jack



Joined: 28 Nov 2016
Posts: 12
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ

PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I used Restore about 20 years ago on a completely worn out lawn mower. It had no compression at all, and I didn't want to buy a new one because I was selling the house. I put in about half a can, more than needed I'm sure. It did the job. Can't beat science.
_________________
1995 K1100RS
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
SugarHillCTD
Site Admin


Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4240
Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 9:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Then I stand corrected regarding my comments from 6 years ago. Embarassed
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    K11 Owners Group Forum Index -> Product Reviews All times are GMT - 4 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group