Leaking tranny

[Dylan76]

1st, I changed the oil but did not replace the crush washer, after the change it had a slow drip. Figured it was the washer. Went and got some new ones, put one on...and still dripping. :doh I noticed after the first oil change that I could not finger tighten the drain bolt. The PO had a big regular style washer on it. Could a cross threaded bolt be the cause of the leak? And how would I go about fixing that?
It is a '89 R100RT. The title sounds like the begining of a really bad joke. :bolt

[nealart]

Could it be the neutral switch?

[92r100rs]

And make sure it's not really leaking from where the shift lever exits. That thru me off once.

[barryg]

If U can not finger tighten the drain plug that is a problem that has to be addressed. U may be able to fix it with the trans still mounted in bike. I believe the size of the plug M14x1.5. U will need to get a timesert kit for that size fix, probably use the shortest length timesert. Since U will be working up side down aluminum chips getting into grarbox is minimum. Use kit instructions for install, if it bothers U about aluminum chips in gearbox have a buddy use a strong vacuum next to where U are working, or use gease on drill and tap to hold aluim chips. If PO screwed that up, trans may need to be pulled and splines lubed anyway, so U maybe fixing the problem with trans removed. BTW I'm assumeing U have good basic mechanic/machinist skills. Good luck with your project.

[Dylan76]

Thanks for the response, pretty much confirms my thinking on it. Sounds like you have been there before.

[barryg]

I was a machinist/tool&die maker for 25 years. Was an automotive machinist for 10 years. Try to drill out drain hole by hand and have a buddy watch to keep U lined up square to hole. U will probably want to use some locktite on the outside threads of the insert. Good luck with your project.