Oil Leak Question
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Oil Leak Question
I've recently purchased my first bike, a 2001 FXST. I know very little about the mechanics of a motorcycle, but I am learning. Today a little while after I parked at work, I noticed a puddle underneath the motor, towards the very front. I cranked it up and let it idle for a little while, then rode it around a bit before letting it idle again some more. I could not see any oil coming out. I turned it off, and came back out about 20 minutes later, and still did not see one drop on the ground. About an hour later, I went out to see another puddle on the ground after the bike had cooled down. I have no idea where this is coming from. Any help would be much appreciated. thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Spray your motor down with simple green, and hose off (blow dry with leaf blower if you have one) or wipe down good, then ride till hot and park itand look for seepage. One thing about oil, it can travel a long way along parts before dripping into a puddle, be thorough when looking for where it's coming from
Last edited by jimsflh; Apr 2, 2013 at 01:37 PM. Reason: Typo
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 313
Likes: 1
From: St.Louis, Mo area
The "front of the engine" is a bit vague. But I understand it being new to you.
Best bet would by get a can of cleaner, carb/choke, engine degreaser, or a spray bottle with good old alcohol, the 99% stuff, make sure it's not the type with glceryn in it. Spray your engine down real good and dry it or let it air dry. You just want it to be as clean and dry as you can get it. Take it out for a spin and see where you have a new wet spot. Repeat as needed till you get it narrowed down. There are plenty of places for it to be leaking on the front of the engine.
Even if your not going to wrench your own bike, a good investment is a service manual. That way, you can identify the parts and don't have to resort to general discriptions, which can take a while to narrow down. Good luck.
Best bet would by get a can of cleaner, carb/choke, engine degreaser, or a spray bottle with good old alcohol, the 99% stuff, make sure it's not the type with glceryn in it. Spray your engine down real good and dry it or let it air dry. You just want it to be as clean and dry as you can get it. Take it out for a spin and see where you have a new wet spot. Repeat as needed till you get it narrowed down. There are plenty of places for it to be leaking on the front of the engine.
Even if your not going to wrench your own bike, a good investment is a service manual. That way, you can identify the parts and don't have to resort to general discriptions, which can take a while to narrow down. Good luck.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I know, I hated to be so vague but as you said, I need to get the manual to learn the different parts. Thank you for your reply.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Any chance it is leaking around the oil filter seal and puddling up and then when you put down the kick stand and bike leans to the side it starts to run down case onto the ground?
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