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Another mystery oil leak????

3K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  sj01fltri 
#1 ·
I've searched the topic & read several threads. One of them that I found it my leak - at least as far as I know so far. I had my dealer do my 25k oil change. And of course it leaked as soon as I brought it home. For a while I assumed it was due to a sloppy job with the filter (guy didn't impress me - tightened down my wife's adjustable foot pegs because they swiveled (as they should)).

Anyway the leak has gotten worse. Lot of oil on underside and leaves at least a tablespoon of oil each ride now. In fact drips when not ridden. All drain plugs ok & not leaking. Not coming from filter, oil cooler adapter, shift linkage, stator wiring, or what I assume is oil pressure sensor. Primary & derby cover good. Comes from very front. Thought was oil cooler at first, but it seems ok but all wiring behind it is soaked. All wet from there back. Dripping off frame too. Mostly on right (high) side. And interestingly the oil is very clear. Primary looked low to me so changed it today. Crank case seemed a little over full so I sucked that down a bit. Not showing over full. 3/4 up grid cold. Transmission good.

Bike is a 13RGU with 26k miles. No engine mods.

If anyone has an idea I'd love to hear it. Going to take it to dealer this week.
 
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#2 ·
Sounds like it is in the area around the oil filter. You checked to make sure it is roughly hand tight?
 
#3 ·
Yes, I even snugged it up anyway. Can't see anything there. I think this leak is actually getting worse.
Thanks

Ron
 
#4 ·
I assumed so but thought I would insult you anyway! LOL:grin:
It sounds like the filter is either leaking or the old rubber is still on the motor. Odd. I would be tempted to pull the filter and inspect or replace it. The Tech should have noticed it if it is that bad...:confused: Just my thoughts. :)
 
#6 ·
The tick may NOT have oiled the seal on the new filter. That alone will cause leak.
 
#7 ·
It would seem that anyone doing a oil change would notice if the rubber gasket on the oil filter would be on the filter housing but you never know.
First thing is wash as much of the oil off the bike that you can and then run the bike without riding it and see if you can locate the leak.
If you think the leak is in the front around the filter then just pull the filter and inspect everything.
When the filter is pulled you can inspect the oil cooler lines that are attached to the filter housing which may be loose or broken, you should also check the fitting the oil filter screws on to.
The fitting the oil filter screws on to holds the oil cooler housing to the original oil filter housing and there is a gasket between the 2 housings, if that fitting is loose then oil will leak out between the 2 housings, you need a 7/16 allen wrench to tighten the fitting or you can use a 1/4 inch threaded rod coupler nut which is 7/16 OD.
 
#8 ·
Well, the primary was low so I drained & changed it yesterday. Without even cranking came home to an even bigger puddle mid-right side and good sized puddle under oil cooler area. Saw nothing else new so just took it to HD for them to figure out. Also since I'm not a top 10 wrencher.

Probably still something simple. If I have the nerve I'll post it here when I get it back. :smile:
 
#9 ·
Well, I didn't think of this one. Local HD checked it out and said the vent tube to the transmission had become blocked. That in turn caused positive pressure to build that blew the seal around the clutch cable. Haven't heard of that before, and curious to see what blocked the vent.

Thanks all!

Ron
 
#10 ·
??? Then why is the leak in the front of the engine? Sounds like the dealer is giving you a good line of Bullshit. There is nothing in the transmission that would plug the trans vent tube.
The dealer may be right but it sound fishy to me so keep a eye on the bike.
Also why was the primary fluid low??
 
#11 ·
I thought the same thing. Hope it checks out. Maybe air turbulence sucks it forward, but I agree - not 100% convinced yet. Longer clutch cable backordered so will beva few days before I get to see it.
 
#14 ·
Plug to stator looked fine to me. Didn't measure primary fluid, but don't think it was as low as I suspected before draining.
 
#15 ·
I am NOT a HD tech, but that makes ZERO sense. IF the positive pressure theory is true, then how did it leak when it wasn't running? Are any of the drain plugs leaking?
 
#17 ·
Sure sounds like a leaky stator wire grommet. They can be a bitch to diagnose. Wash it again. Run it up to temp, but don't ride it. Then get right down under the front with a good light. Sorry for repeating what others have said. You will find it.
 
#18 ·
Well - gotter home. Not a drop of a leak so far. Looking at it I can see how it would run down the clutch cable to the front. Disappointed I didn't see it myself. I'll see if it holds w more riding. So far so good.
 
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