Oil leak

[Picinisco]

Bike has 39000 and did an oil change Sunday. Since the last oil change 3000 miles ago I notice that there is some oil on the front and bottom of the right side cylinder. Where is the most likely place that this is coming from.

[BubbaZanetti]

from the engine :bolt


where exactly, where the cylinder meets the engine block, where it meets the head, is it at the valve cover/head seam? i would suspect one of those 3 areas, correct?

[osbornk]

I stopped the oil leaks on two of my bikes by switching from synthetic to dino oil. The airhead has stayed tight for the 10 years since I switched. I don't buy synthetic any longer.

[norton]

The only way to know for sure where the leak is coming from is to thoroughly clean the bike and go for a short ride and inspect it.

[PGlaves]

The only way to know for sure where the leak is coming from is to thoroughly clean the bike and go for a short ride and inspect it.

As mentioned there are three seams:

cylinder to case

head to cylinder

valve cover to head

The most common leak - except right after adjusting the valves - is a leaking head gasket.

But - I would clean the engine and then spray the three possible areas with spray talcum powder or white powdery anti-perspirant. The source of the leak will be very apparent as the oil stains the white powder.

[lazywizard02]

Don't fear a head gasket change. There is plenty of instruction and comment here - do a search.

I changed the RH gasket on my 96RT after changing everything else but

Get the right gasket for your bike and check the tool list, get a 6 pack and a buddy and you will get it done in an afternoon. Then don't forget your 600 mile re-torque.

If you are compelled to do both sides, then consider changing the timing belt and the tensioners.

[Picinisco]

Well I found it. I pulled off the valve cover and found that the inner gasket (the small donout one) was mangled. Obviously I installed it wrong the last time I did my valve clearances just as Paul stated (why are some people so smart). Thanks all.

[PGlaves]

Well I found it. I pulled off the valve cover and found that the inner gasket (the small donout one) was mangled. Obviously I installed it wrong the last time I did my valve clearances just as Paul stated (why are some people so smart). Thanks all.

"Some people" are "so smart" because they have already made the mistake and have remembered it. Sometimes they have even repeated the same mistake due to short memory, even when they try to avoid that. When you've wrenched your own household bikes for over 30 years and a bit more 1.5 million miles worth some of what you have done right and have done wrong sticks. :) Sometimes.