Oil leak, how do I fix this?

[Richsuz]

So, I stopped riding my GS for about three months. Last sunday I went to start her up, when I removed the cover I find a big puddle of oil under it. There is oil running down the stand. Tracing down the source it appears to come from here, the round "plug".



Sorry for the pic being out of focus.

What is this? is on the left side, behind the gear selector cover. The bike is a GS650GLD. Do I have to open the gearbox to seal it again? Is it common for it to happen?

BTW, It took a long time for it to fire up. Warmed her up and when I took it for a ride it was slower than my 125cc. Apears to burn oil out of the right side. Checked the plugs and 1 and 4 are wet and 2 and 3 are almost white. Looked inside the cylinders, 2 and 3 are TOTALLY dry. One thing led to another, ended up checking compressions 135, 112, 115, 132 respectively 1-4. Opened the cover and various valves are tight.

The bike was runing fine when I parked it. Anyone cares to propose an explanation?

Thanks for your insights.....

[Guest]

That is your gear shift indicator switch , no you don't have to tear into the cases just remove the 2 screws holding it , I think there is a oring around it if not a small bead of gasket sealant will do the trick. clean up both surfaces first real well.
How long has the bike been parked? Is your oil over full and smell like gas? when was the last time the carbs were cleaned?any one of these will cause the problems that you describe. Maintenance, is you friend

[Richsuz]

Thanks, but I was talking about the round black plug, 10 oclock from the selector switch, and the tightening of the valves? My XS650 just fired up after the same period BTW...no leaks, no power loss....

[tom203]

Even on sidestand, normal oil level probably wouldn't hit that black plug, so, like hjfisk, I'd be suspicious of petcock failure and leaking gas into crankcase. Poor running also points to this.

[Richsuz]

Even on sidestand, normal oil level probably wouldn't hit that black plug, so, like hjfisk, I'd be suspicious of petcock failure and leaking gas into crankcase. Poor running also points to this.

Thanks Tom203 and hjfisk.

Will check petcock and oil for gas...can this cause oil burning? compression loss ? The valves were adjusted 10,000 miles ago, so maybe there is wear in the seats I need to check the top end.

But...even if it is high level in the crank case, should it leak at that plug?

[Guest]

That is the cap for your shifter drum. Oil is getting flung around behind that plug.