Engine Leaks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Okay, here is my take on it. How much oil are you losing total? Do you have to add oil between oil changes? Is it a problem to clean up? Do you leave a spot where you park? If you answered no to the last three questions--than this is a nuisance leak or weep. It is not worth fixing to me at this time. I have an Evo that is weeping out of the rear rocker box cover. Needs a gasket. The only way I can tell it is leaking is because of the difference in color of the area and that I have to be sure and wipe down the transmission cover to keep dirt and dust from sticking. I will fix it when it gets worse or I am already working on something else that requires the tank off. My Twin Cam hasn't developed any leaks or weeps yet.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Winchester, KY
thats is exactly what is doing, just a weep and answered no the the first 3 questions. think that is what I will do. I have a friend that used to be a instructor at MMI in Orlando i can have him look at it and depending on cost and time I will probably let it go till winter when the tank is coming off any way to be painted. Thanks for putting this in a realistic perspective old air boater. Big Help. I am not a worried now.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
Mine was weeping and bike week in Wildwood, NJ and then bike week in Delmart, Md.was coming up. I just put quart in saddlebag fix it later. Did look a little bad it times And after 5k more on the bike in couple weeks. It was time to be fix.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Already answered this question and there were several good answers posted. Here is my take on maintenance issues. If it is a safety issue for any reason--I fix it now. If it is a nuisance---then I fix it when it is convenient. If it pisses someone off that I like to **** off---then I park it in front of them as often as possible. Life is good as long as it is kept simple.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I was at my local dealer picking up some filters and parked by this guy who had a seal leak on his transmission. I seen a puddle about the size of a coffee can lid in front of his back tire. I asked him how long he had been fighting that leak? He said all summer. That he had to add transmission oil twice a week at least. He left before I got back outside but you could see where his back tire had gone through the oil. Kept expecting to read or hear about him but never did.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Cylinder base leaks can also be as result of head gasket failure, due to head warping. Oil leaks down the cylinder bolts, out the bottom base o ring.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 12
From: Broomfield, Colorado
I have a leak at the top of the crankcase behind the rear cyclinder, where the two halfs come together. I consider it more of a nuisance than anything else. The fix is to remove the engine, crack the case in two. The bike is still under warranty, but I am going to leave it alone. The chances that it might leak worse, or something else leak after they are done, or they screw something else up while trying to fix a leak are to high for me to chance it. Plus you can bet they will not put their ace mechanic on a "fix a leak" repair.
Paul in Colorado
Paul in Colorado
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
