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GS550 oil leak around exhaust header

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sandro_916
  • Start date Start date
S

Sandro_916

Guest
So I'm trying to find the actual cause of the constant oil leak on my bike, it's starting to stain my pants when I'm riding.

I noticed the the area with the most amount of oil is in the front of the engine, right under the exhaust header. It is completely dry on the top of the exhaust header and up (so we could rule out valve cover leak?).

Any ideas before I assume it's a head gasket leak?

Side question: Do we look at the oil level when the bike is on the center stand?

Thanks!
 
Yes, you should look at the oil level when the bike is on the center stand. Check the Suzuki manual for the correct procedure (you can find one at Basscliff's site - http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff)

Clean up the area real good first then put some sort of dry powder on it (athlete's foot spray works great) to determine where the leak is coming from. Then work from there
 
Maybe the oil filter cover. It can be difficult to keep the o-ring/gasket seated in the groove when installing and if it does move its hard to tell until its puking oil from there.
 
I'm going to do the foot powder technique, but I'm not sure what's the best way of de-greasing the motor.

-Is there anything I should be careful about when rinsing off the degreaser with water?

-Could it be the oil filter cover if most of the oil is accumulated at the exhaust header?

-Also, if the oil level window is all brown/black on the center stand can that mean the window is dirty or there is too much oil?

Thanks for the replies.
 
You can just get some engine degreaser from walmart or any auto parts store. Spray it on and let it sit for a while then rinse it off with a garden hose. You may need to scrub some with a toothbrush or wire brush to get most of the junk off. You won't hurt anything with the water just try not to get it in the air intake. If it's right below the header flanges its probably the head gasket. But still it would be better to clean and check for sure.

If the sight glass is dark all the way to the top that means your oil level is too full. Drain some off and check again.
 
You would want to verify your oil level like JBT says then, if needed, pull that cover off and clean the sight glass (will need a new gasket for the cover)
 
Sandro_916 said:
I'm going to do the foot powder technique, but I'm not sure what's the best way of de-greasing the motor.

-Is there anything I should be careful about when rinsing off the degreaser with water?

Thanks for the replies.
Click to expand...

Remove the side covers/fuel tank and try not to get any on any painted surfaces. (the frame is usually safe) Several brands of degreaser destroys paint.
 
Oil Leak

Oil Leak

Sandro_916 said:
So I'm trying to find the actual cause of the constant oil leak on my bike, it's starting to stain my pants when I'm riding.

I noticed the the area with the most amount of oil is in the front of the engine, right under the exhaust header. It is completely dry on the top of the exhaust header and up (so we could rule out valve cover leak?).

Any ideas before I assume it's a head gasket leak?

Side question: Do we look at the oil level when the bike is on the center stand?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Oh My...an oil leak.

I was able to locate mine and went through some different scenarios to discover it was a loose crankcase bolt. I needed to replace the oil pan gasket anyway but my leak was landing on my left boot.

So when you say the leak is getting on your pants, I'm guessing the lower part of the trousers...ankle, shin or knee area?

I used an engine cleaner from WalMart and spent alot of time with q-tips, rags, and a wire brush to wipe off existing residue with isopropyl alcohol. Apart from seeping oil from the head gasket (minimal seep is ok), you should be able to locate your leak once you clean off the current gunk on your engine.


Good luck!


Ed
 
So when you say the leak is getting on your pants, I'm guessing the lower part of the trousers...ankle, shin or knee area?
Click to expand...

It's just a little amount around the shin area. Good thing I was wearing black pants at the time :D

You would want to verify your oil level like JBT says then, if needed, pull that cover off and clean the sight glass (will need a new gasket for the cover)
Click to expand...

So i found the glass isn't dirty after looking at it go clear with the engine running.

How should I go about gradually removing oil?

If I discover it is indeed the head gasket, should I try re-torquing the head bolts?
 
Could be leaking from area where tach cable goes into engine. There is a how to rebuild on here. Very easy. terrylee
 
terrylee said:
Could be leaking from area where tach cable goes into engine. There is a how to rebuild on here. Very easy. terrylee
Click to expand...

Just checked the tach cable and it's dry.

Most likely a head gasket leak. Before I rebuild, I'm going to try to just re-torque the head because I have having difficulty finding a head gasket for this motor. The dealership wants like $150 for a head gasket :rolleyes:

What's the best (and cheapest) place to purchase a valve cover gasket, or can I make my own? I think the PO made his own paper gasket and its holding up well.
 
PartsOutLaw

PartsOutLaw

Sandro_916 said:
Just checked the tach cable and it's dry.

Most likely a head gasket leak. Before I rebuild, I'm going to try to just re-torque the head because I have having difficulty finding a head gasket for this motor. The dealership wants like $150 for a head gasket :rolleyes:

What's the best (and cheapest) place to purchase a valve cover gasket, or can I make my own? I think the PO made his own paper gasket and its holding up well.
Click to expand...

I get my parts from partsoutlaw.com. Here is your gasket: item #7 for $98.12. Call Kelsey and ask for a promotional code to lower your shipping cost.

picture.php





Ed
 
I had the same problem. In my case it WAS the valve cover gasket. If you look, there are weep holes between the header pipes that let water (oil) in the spark plug areas out. My valve cover was leaking around the cam chain area, going down around the #3 spark plug, and draining out the hole. Ended up on my right boot.

Dump some water around the spark plugs and see where it comes out. My guess is right where the leaked oil starts :)
 
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