Front cylinder leaking oil!!

[cdogg556]

I noticed that the base gasket on my front cylinder started having a little oil seep through after I ride a hundred miles or so, I didn't think much of it until the last ride I went on I noticed it's getting worse! now there is a actual oil leak dripping down the cases! So, this is my question, I am going on the Redwood Run in one week, I don't have time to tear into this thing before then, is it a big deal to ride it like that for probably almost 1000 mi or so and just keep cleaning the mess up, or should this be fixed immediately? Thanks for any help!

 

[francoblay1]

 

[Dragonslave]

I would get this fixed immediately if it was my bike. Not sure what the issue is though. Sounds like a seal.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Depending on how bad the leak is if it's not constant dripping I would run it and just check the oil every couple hundred miles. Sounds like a trip I wouldn't want to miss because of a light leak. I'd run it and tear it down afterwards That's me though

Noticed some leaking this past weekend on my bike right around the rocker cover bolts. I finished my 150+ mile ride now will retorque and hope that solves the problem. Oddly enough it's just around the bolt holes not the rocker gasket thankfully.

 

[BadDawg Bill]

I would try to re-torque the base bolts first. Over time they have expanded and may have loosened up a bit. If you are talking about the heads I would torque them down. Good luck.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

I would try to re-torque the base bolts first. Over time they have expanded and may have loosened up a bit. If you are talking about the heads I would torque them down. Good luck.

Yep agreed, I guess I didn't explicitly mention that in my post but retorque bolts and go for a run. My point was if it's a light seepage of oil I wouldn't get too worried. If it's constantly dripping that would be a show stopper.

Common failure of base gaskets is not letting the bike warm up before romping

 

[john sachs]

I would tear into it. Worst case scenario, a stud is pulling. If so, next will be a blown head gasket.
John

 

[cdogg556]

It's not a constant dripping at all, like when I park the bike there is no oil on the ground at all, it seeps down the cases and blows back on the undercarage of the bike, as far as re-torquing the cylinders all I can find is two of the bolts up on top of the cylinder, I am assuming the other two are under the heads? I already checked the two I can get too and they were good, so I think I am just gonna run it and keep an eye on it and hope it holds up till I get back.

 

[BWG56]

If its leaking and you get about 250 miles from home and the gasket blows you will be pissed.

 

[Little-Boo]

It's not a constant dripping at all, like when I park the bike there is no oil on the ground at all, it seeps down the cases and blows back on the undercarage of the bike, as far as re-torquing the cylinders all I can find is two of the bolts up on top of the cylinder, I am assuming the other two are under the heads? I already checked the two I can get too and they were good, so I think I am just gonna run it and keep an eye on it and hope it holds up till I get back.

Bad idea, once it starts to leak oil at the base gasket it is only going to get worse and the hotter the bike get the more it will leak.

 

[Dakota]

John, That's enough to make you mad with the ride coming up in a week, hope it works out for you.

 

[BadDawg Bill]

Bad idea, once it starts to leak oil at the base gasket it is only going to get worse and the hotter the bike get the more it will leak.

1+ but it sounds like he's saying the head gasket is leaking not the base jug gasket. Take the head pans off and torque all the bolts. You can ride it with a blowen head gasket but you will have a mess. And yes, over revving when it's cold causes this...

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Hey Bill, how does this:

"I noticed that the base gasket on my front cylinder started having a little oil seep through after I ride a hundred miles or so"

in any way sound like he's saying the head gasket?

 

[BWG56]

I think your gonna get a call Kapt, get the parts ready. I told him to put 3 quarts of STP in it with a little saw dust, that should seal it up,lmao

 

[cdogg556]

I think your gonna get a call Kapt, get the parts ready. I told him to put 3 quarts of STP in it with a little saw dust, that should seal it up,lmao

Yep, called Curtis and the parts will be here on fri! I don't think I am going with the STP and sawdust idea Ker! Lol! Thanks Curtis, and everyone here at BDB "Again" for all your help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[francoblay1]

Mate, Loctite Superglue does wonders.... how do you think I fix my bike in Spain???

 

[Little-Boo]

1+ but it sounds like he's saying the head gasket is leaking not the base jug gasket. Take the head pans off and torque all the bolts. You can ride it with a blowen head gasket but you will have a mess. And yes, over revving when it's cold causes this...

Well Bill I guess the head gasket can be the base gasket too, provided the motor is upside down. LOL. If I missed something well my bad. I am just trying to save him some major repairs and towing fees.

Carlos

 

[cdogg556]

Well Bill I guess the head gasket can be the base gasket too, provided the motor is upside down. LOL. If I missed something well my bad. I am just trying to save him some major repairs and towing fees.

Carlos

Thanks Carlos, you Curtis and everyone else got the point accross, Curtis is sending a top end gasket kit and I am sure that all this info saved my ass! Could have been a disaster like Ker said if it blew out 250 mi from home!

 

[cdogg556]

Mate, Loctite Superglue does wonders.... how do you think I fix my bike in Spain??? View attachment 25085

Lol!

 

[aspen874]

The front base gasket also happened to me, so I decided to pull both, had both replaced with metal gaskets and no issues since.