Am I missing an oil pan hex bolt - see pic

[Eman24]

After my last oil change I noticed a few drops of oil on my garage floor every couple of days. I cleaned off the bottom of the engine and brushed on a little powder, took a 10 mile ride, and photographed the underside with the camera pointing straight up. You can see where the leak is. It looks like I'm missing a bolt. Am I? I went online and checked out Real OEM but couldn't determine whether or not that was the case from their diagram. As always, your help is appreciated.

[98lee]

That's the weep hole for the oil pump seal. The oil coming out is getting past that seal.
You will eventually be in the market for a new oil/water pump.



:dance:dance:dance

[Eman24]

Thanks Lee.

[PHMarvin]

That's the weep hole for the oil pump seal. The oil coming out is getting past that seal.
You will eventually be in the market for a new oil/water pump.

:dance:dance:dance

Hi, Eman 24,
Maybe not! The seals on the pump are replaceable. Were it me, I would remove the pump and take it to the dealer and have him replace the seals and the impeller, if necessary. That should not cost you more than a couple of hundred dollars. A new pump is not too far from $500 plus, if the dealer removes and replaces it, you've got labor costs, too, probably a total of near $700.

[jpberens43639]

Have you recently switched to synthetic oil? Been known to cause that slight weeping.
Don't worry too much.
It can go a long long time like that and not fail.

The K11OG site has some good write ups on the topic, but taking it off and to the dealer to let them replace the seals like a PHMarvin said will save you a bundle.

[Eman24]

I haven't switched to a synthetic oil. However I did overfill a bit at the last oil change. I just drained the excess and did another test ride. The weeping seems to be less - - however that could be the old placebo effect as I was riding neither hard nor long. Right now the weeping is pretty slight - - so if I can go a while without having to shell out the $$$, that would help. My bike's a 90 with 26,000 miles on it. I ride about 4000 miles a year. Any estimates on how long I can wait? Thanks much!
Elliot

[58058D]

I think PHMarvin's estimate is right in there with the 'couple hundred'. I would expect this to just be the seals and if you pull the pump, take it in and the do the reinstall yourself, I would be surprised to see it hit the $200 unless it really does need the impeller. I would do it sooner rather than later. but I would agree it can go a bit. Keep an eye on it, or a pie pan under it, inspect and note if you start getting coolant as well.

[Eman24]

Thank you; will do.

[hhshort]

No one asked What year. I don't know the year break but If it is early K it will need an updated shaft for the updated seal. thus more bucks. My records show $250 plus for shaft, seal and assorted.stuff. I did it myself and it cost me a second seal for the education. However don't get too excited. I have two 85s one I have repaired the pump the other has been putting one drop on the floor every ride for the last 75k or so. It now has 120k. So I would say just keep riding and watching. Harold In Kansas

[deilenberger]

The year break was - all K's up through 1985 model had the threaded shaft model. Starting in 1986 they went to the drilled/tapped shaft. If it's an '85 you're on borrowed time and the pump owes you nothing. Just buy a new one (it's only money - think how your kids will waste it when you're gone.. I'm wasting my dad's..) put it on and go riding.