Possible Oil Leak

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Jul 19, 2005 | 05:15 PM

Kess

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From: Somerset County

Possible Oil Leak

Let's suppose a dumb *** gently laid his EG Classic on it's left side today - Let's suppose there was almost zero damage except for some serious nicks on the very edge of the batwing (Very fixable) - And let's suppose there was a puddle of oil under the bike - Well dumb *** picked up the bike and got his Sh*t together, topped off the oil and drove off - The bike rode perfectly but there still seems to be a slight oil leak - Where do you start to look for the source? Nothing on the primary is scratched - Could this just be residual oil from the spill - I (Dumb ***) will get it home after work and start looking but is there anything in particular I need to be looking at? I hate to have to take it to the dealer if this is normal after a dump

Jul 19, 2005 | 05:31 PM

HDF Tech

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RE: Possible Oil Leak

Try to figure out, maybe by smell which oil it is. The trans oil will have a sharp smell to it and be clear. The engine oil will look black usually even if fairly new, and the primary oil has a smell all it's own. Maybe try a sample of the oil on the bike on your finger or a papet towel ,and then compare it to the three holes as far as color and smell, should narrow it down. My guess is that it was trans oil being that there is a vent line for the trans and the other systems are more or less sealed. Don't dispair, it could have been worse.

Jul 19, 2005 | 05:42 PM

Kess

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From: Somerset County

RE: Possible Oil Leak

For sure and I am not gonna beat myself up - I got lucky this time but I think you are on to something as it did appear clear - I lost a fair amount - If I take it easy do you think I can nurse it home (About 7 Miles)?

Jul 19, 2005 | 05:49 PM

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RE: Possible Oil Leak

If you have a 3/8 allen you can check the level, there probably is enough in there being that the gears fling it around, but I would check it just to be sure. An ounce or two on the ground looks like a LOT.

Jul 19, 2005 | 07:21 PM

HDWRENCH

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From: Fort Worth TX

RE: Possible Oil Leak

most times you end disturbing the clutch cover or maybe even cracking it. The trans can leak but if you picked it right up most times not. I get to see plenty of dropped bikes and the primary clutch cover is the one that gets damaged 9 out of 10 times. Hell you want a custom cover anyways right. Make this a reason to spend some coin to dress it up. That is how I look at things " it is what it is"

I went down end of Jan here and did almost 10 grand worth to mine, and am still recovering from several broken bones, adding pins Nd plates and removing pins and 3 surgerys. SO a small mishap is bond to happen could be much worse. Dont let it bother you give the bike a good bath and try to locate leak. If you are having trouble pin pointing it borrow some of the little ladys spray on deorderant( baby powder kind) and spray down the area you think it is coming from and take for a short ride. The power cleans up very easy and will let you see right where the leak is at. Good luck

Jul 19, 2005 | 10:17 PM

Kess

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From: Somerset County

RE: Possible Oil Leak

Steve - Soryy to hear that - Sounds like you had a rough time of it but have a great attitdue. It leaked when it spilled and I agree with Bill that a little liquid goes a long way but after I rode it it leaked a few drops when I got back to work - I rode it home after work and made a stop (one drop) and when I got it home(One drop on a sheet of paper I put down) I wiped it all down, cleaned it up and nothing seems to be leaking now. Do they tend to leak hot or cold or a change from one temp to the other. The Oil level is fine and I will check the Tranny level after the wife and boys go to bed - I have to pull the cover to check the primary and I will probably do that tonight also - Thanks for all the help so far!

Jul 19, 2005 | 10:39 PM

teach

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RE: Possible Oil Leak

Here is a little trick I recently had to put into practice to find a leak. First off get some simply green and spray your entire motor down, and don't foget under it. Wait 5 minutes and then hose it off. Make sure to have your handy leaf blower near by so you don't spot up your chrome. After hosing and blow drying, go for a nice 100 mile ride, park bike but place cardboard under it, then go in the house until tomorrow. If you have a leak it will be easy to trace in the am, just follow the drip mark back to its origin. Turns out mine only leaks after about 300 miles, the stator plug potting is bad and just enough mist to accumulate and make a drip. I'll take care of it when the weather is white if you know what I mean. Right now its riding weather. Good luck...