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New oil leak....bad news?

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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 02:19 PM
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Default New oil leak....bad news?
Noticed a oil leak located on the upper rear left side of motor. Is this a head gasket leaking? If so, can I remove the tank and fix it from the top?
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 02:29 PM
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Uh no, not a head gasket. Get yourself a service manual.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 02:39 PM
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rocker box. do both sides and top/bottom at same time and check/replace intake seals as well.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 02:43 PM
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That rear rocker box is pretty tight to get to on my 1997 RK. I had to make a special tool to just get in there.

I think I'd suspect a clogged breather inside the rocker cover myself making it leak. If it were me I'd remove the covers from both cylinders and replace the gaskets and the breathers on both. I'd inspect the rocker shafts and add lockers if necessary while I were in there.

Like said above, get a service manual or have these repairs done at a good indy. Its not that difficult to do but it does take some knowledge, not to mention the proper tools.

Good luck.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 03:14 PM
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On a 2003 , that's not a leak. Wipe it off occasionally and check back at 140K.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2019 | 07:17 AM
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I have the manual but like the quick response from you guys first. Manual is not always as clear as you guys. Anyway, it's not bad but will repair myself if it gets worse.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2019 | 08:14 AM
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Torque rocker box bolts to specks, probably be as simple as that.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2019 | 08:15 AM
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Seeping oil will migrate rearward as you ride. Could be pushrod tube o-rings or the rocker gasket...hard to tell from a photo. I would clean it all up and go for a ride and see where the leak is starting from before tearing into anything...just my dos centavos
 
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Old Nov 24, 2019 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by pointblank
I have the manual but like the quick response from you guys first. Manual is not always as clear as you guys. Anyway, it's not bad but will repair myself if it gets worse.
Being an 03, would be a good time to change out the breather baffles anyway and drill the rocker supports for better oil return and install some rockouts. When I had a rocker box leak on the rear of my 08, the gasket looked pretty burnt/melted from the heat which ultimately led to the leak.



 
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Old Nov 25, 2019 | 11:44 AM
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I'll try torque first and see what happens. Otherwise I will prepare myself for the work you guys suggest.
 
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