I need some input on a possible oil leak on my 12 EGU with only 4500 miles. The motor oil level is a the midpoint between low and full, so there seems to be no major loss. The bike has barely been ridden in the past year because of my schedule. I took it out a couple of weeks ago and immediately smelled hot oil. The rear of the case is lightly covered with some oil dipping at the lowest point when parked (pic). There’s also oil all over and under the head pipe hanger point and bolt just below the clutch cable housing (pic). I can’t see any obvious leak drips coming from that cover gasket. The oil is also on the head pipe under the heat shields near that bracket point. That’s probably what I’m smelling. I can’t see any obvious leak drips coming for any other seals or gaskets in that area.

I also have oil dripping from my breather (pic) which I know is not that unusual. However, I can’t find any oil trail running down to the area of the hanger bracket and cover. Is it possible that much oil could be dripping from my breather to the pipe hanger area without leaving an obvious path? I’ve found light oil residue inside my breather cover before, but have never seen enough to drip that much on the engine. Is this possible?

Any input or experiences would be appreciated. This is my first non-AMF HD, so oil drips on such a new bike is causing some anxiety flashbacks.

 

spray suspect areas with spray on foot powder from 99¢ store.

the seep will wash away the powder.

common sources are trap door cover bolts*, oil filter adapter.

mike


* revised torque spec is 25 ft lbs
make a tool like this, put your piece of cut off 1/4 allen or the butt end of a 1/4" bit into the bolt and turn with a wrench:

 

When was the last time you changed your oil? I ask, because if you changed it and haven't ridden it since then, any mess you made that is lurking in crevices maybe just spilled out now while riding. Happened to me this past spring.

 

Thanks for the tip. After wiping away much of the oil on the case and breather, I'm certain the oil is not coming from the breather above. It appears to be centered in the area under of the chrome clutch cable cover or the larger black cover behind it. I'll try the foot powder.

 

That's a good idea, but it's been ridden quite bit since the last oil change. As a matter of fact, it's due for another right now. Thanks for the input.

 

the bottom bolts on that chrome tranny cover where the clutch cable goes in are absolutely famous for working loose. I've had to tighten mine back up a few times.

 

this is correct and most likely your problem. i've tighten mine up several times too!

 

I had a nagging drop or so of oil in my garage after rides. I finally talked to a mechanic at work and he told me to check my oil pan. Sure enough, I found 2 or 3 bolts that were very loose. I went around the torque pattern taking each bolt out one at a time, put a little blue loctite on and torquing to specs. No drips.
As far as the breather, mine has blown oil forever.

 

Thanks... this very helpful and definitely the best case scenario. It's also exactly where the leak seems to be originating. Heading to the garage now.

 

Also pull you air cleaner cover off and check you breathers and for oil mist residue. May be misting through breathers and draining out below the air cleaner.