Fork Seal leak

[Novavalker]

While riding to Inzane my right fork seal developed a minor leak. I didn't notice until after my arrival when I washed the bike. I brought along a Seal Mate which is just a thin piece of plastic and attempted to clean out the dirt in the seal. At first I unknowingly pushed the Seal mate not far enough to past the dust seal to reach the fork seal. After realizing my mistake I pushed it far enough to get under the fork seal and carefully worked it around a few rotations. This didn't completely stop the leak but did make an improvement. I was afraid of making it worse and thought It was good enough to wait until I reached home for repairs. After every fuel fill up I checked the fork for oil residue and wiped it off. Much to my surprise the leak stopped after the first day of riding back home and hasn't leaked since. I rode for 6 days including deals gap and NO LEAK.
I'm not saying this will work in every case but it has so far. I recommend carrying a Seal mate or film negative on long trips. It sure worked for me.
http://sealmate.net/

[hubcapsc]

 

-Mike

[Cliff]

Same thing happened to me on the way to IZ 10.  Used 35mm film (that's all that was available at the time)  took a few tries but 2 days after the last try no more leak,,, didn't loose enough oil to noticeably change the dampening.  2+ years later>Still no leaks.  I now carry one of these:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068G164E/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00  Just in case I or a fellow rider needs to use it.  This is mucho easier to slip under the seal and spin than the film or seal mate were.