Oil Leak in Cylinder Block

[jgentry425]

Hello Guys,

I had a sputtering problem in my 1983 GS1100 GLD last year that I fixed, but I may have revved up the engine to a little over 9k RPM trying to not let it stall out while driving it. Now I have an oil leak.

The gaskets were recently replaced less than 600 miles ago, and it was not leaking a bit until this. The leak seems to be coming from the front mid-section of the cylinder block, below the head gasket, but above the lower gasket between the block and the lower case. The head gasket does not seem to be leaking at all, and there is no black smoke or oil in the exhaust, so the head gasket should be fine.

Do I have a cracked block, or could it be something else? I mainly get oil splatter on my left boot, indicated to me that it is coming more from the left side. The bike only has 33,000 miles on it, and it has not overheated.

Any ideas on what it may be, and how to fix it without pulling the engine off the frame?

On a related note, can you replace the block without pulling the engine off the frame?

Thanks,
Jon

[hampshirehog]

Did you replace the o rings on the front middle cylinder head nuts when the head gasket was done?

[jgentry425]

Can't say for sure because I bought the bike from a mechanic right after the work was done, but I was told yes.

[JTGS850GL]

Could be the tach drive seals are leaking. Pretty common problem. I'd at least start with the easy stuff. Clean and degrease the engine completely. Once dry put a dusting of baby or foot powder all over the engine. Start the engine and see where the first sign of an oil leak is coming from. Report back.

[jgentry425]

The leak is far below the tach cable.

[Fjbj40]

I realize you said the front. However there is nothing in that area to leak, unless as you stated there is a crack. But you are saying your left foot gets oil on it. Have you checked the cam chain tensioner? Yes it is on the rear but airflow may be pulling the oil ahead or when you stop the bike oil flows to the front. This, other than a crack, is the only possible leak from mid cylinder location.

you need to totally degrease, not just a quickly either, but get it really clean. I suggest brake cleaner, then fire it up with a fan blowing air over the cylinders so not to overheat. Keep close attention to suspect areas, the leak will reveal itself eventually.

[JTGS850GL]

Oil will flow up, down or around when wind drives it. Don't assume that where you see it after a ride is where it's coming from. Do as suggested and you will find the source. Clean the engine and dust it with powder. The leak will reveal itself in short order once you start the engine.