oil, everywhere

I've been watching a little oil leak develop on my engine casing with some concern. At first I though it might be just a buggered crush washer on the sump, but then having read a thread on leaking near the front sprocket I thought oh hell, engine sealant is going (gone). Last night I went out for a short trip, 30 miles or so and when I got back the oil looked like it had seeped out of the oil filler cap. It was all over the upper casing, where before it was just content to drip onto the exhaust and cause smoke.

The oil inspection window shows that everything is tikkety boo in the engine, but should I worry? Could it be a pressure thing going on? Am I about to experiance something woefully expensive - it's due in for a service next week.

Oh woe..

well the 'classic' (if i can call it that) would be the rear cylinder base gasket whcih from M&S last time cost £245 most of which was 6 hours labor and about £30 parts

so that would be a yes on the wofully expensive front,

though i cant imagine it being that difficult id give it a go (replaceing the timeing belts was dead easy)

[spacemonkey]

Mine sometimes decides to loosen the oil pipes that join into the engine on a 17mm nut in front ot the oil filler. This causes a spray of oil mist to cover the area all around. A tweak with a 17mm spanner stops it for a while.

One of the most common causes of leaks in that area is the oil pressure switch.The oil leaks straight through the centre of it and has been known to fill looms up!
If you do replace it take care tightening it as it has a large head size (24mm) into alloy.
Regards, Al.

Originally Posted by Unit 18

One of the most common causes of leaks in that area is the oil pressure switch.The oil leaks straight through the centre of it and has been known to fill looms up!
If you do replace it take care tightening it as it has a large head size (24mm) into alloy.
Regards, Al.

that the brass jobby on the back left? or the switch front right with the boot?
I have a bit under the spr cover but I assumed loose case bolts as all three needed a pinch

The front one with the boot, the one at the rear on the right is the neutral switch which is also another masterpiece, although better than they used to be.
Sorry you said back left, thats the spring and ball for the gear detent, does'nt usually cause a problem.

front right fine (changed it)

rear right fine (changed it) but yes the old one is a flaky connection and a pig to access

it looks a bit oily around the brass bolt with the plastic washer and the fabric cable cover? I didnt think this would/could/should get oily?

chappers 600 had a bad leak, looked like it was dripping from under the clutch casing..... leaking out from above it and running down. dave woods fixed it, he also said there is a small rubber washer in the oil channel between the lower part of the barrel and the upper part(it splits in 2) this had also gone, he reset the bottom of the barrel onto the crankcase and fitted the O seal... its fine now

Originally Posted by A Yerbury

front right fine (changed it)


it looks a bit oily around the brass bolt with the plastic washer and the fabric cable cover? I didnt think this would/could/should get oily?

Not sure where you mean, can you let me know in more detail?

the wire comes out here,
ta.
Alex

Had a similar sounding problem, but with dropping oil levels as well. Try changing the O ring on the filler cap. Seems to have cured the problem I had.

my moto: KISS

Disclaimer: I could be completely wrong. And should be ignored at all times.

Originally Posted by Unit 18

The front one with the boot, the one at the rear on the right is the neutral switch which is also another masterpiece, although better than they used to be.
Sorry you said back left, thats the spring and ball for the gear detent, does'nt usually cause a problem.

Hmmm all interesting stuff, thanks - I'm going to pick the bike up this afternoon so I should find out from my happy go lucky (with his nads if he's still not done anything to her) mechanic. The oil pressure switch is a possible culprit, so I'll see what he's done.

Cheers again,

DD

Lordy, don't remember them coming out there, I would guess its the pickup or alternator wires (normally exit at the front of the case). If it is then there is normally a gland nut that sits inside the hex.
Must be too much self abuse, the memory is err... going.

Had leak the other week - looked like it was all around the front sprocket - me think this is going to be expensive. Turns out just to have been one of the casing bolts had a loose thread. Got it helicoiled and it's been fine since.

ditto, check the case bolts folks.