1986 GS550ES AKA 'Leaky Lena'

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  • Skiprrrdog
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    1986 GS550ES AKA 'Leaky Lena'

    I have a 1986 GS550ES that I got a couple of months ago. It was running (kind of) when I got it, and I have it to where it is running pretty good now. I have an oil leak, from the back side of the engine I cannot pinpoint. It was worse, so I changed the valve cover gasket and while I was in there, I torqued down the head bolts, and it got a little better, but after only a spirited 10 mile ride, there will be a tiny amount of oil on top of the crankcase, left side, right by the starter cover. Are there any known 'trouble spots' in that area I should focus on?
    Thanks in advance!

    The Dog
  • BigD_83
    Forum Sage
    Past Site Supporter
    • May 2011
    • 4872
    • Vancouver

    #2
    Plenty of places to look, the cam chain tensioner seems to be a frequent problem spot.

    I recall having some oil leakage around the valve cover gasket when I picked mine up, and it took some time for the oil that had pooled in various spots to burn off.

    Although not the first thing I would investigate, the oil cooling lines were definitely suspect.

    Time for a wash and baby powder investigation.
    '83 GS650G
    '83 GS550es (didn't like the colours in the 80's, but they've grown on me)

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