Oil leak that's moving

[cubfan]

I had an oil leak on left side a few months ago, I believe it was a shaft seal I replaced. After that was replaced the oil leak moved to the right side and i did not have time to get to it. So now my offseason project is to fix this leak so i can ride it next spring. In order to avoid replacing one gasket or oring at a time just to go through this again, is there a kit I can order that will replace everything I should he worrying about? It's an 81 gs450l. It's my first bike and it sat for 1 year before I got it, so I'm sure with its age it needs anything seal related replaced. Any help is greatly appreciated, sorry if this wasn't technically described correctly. I'm not super mechanically inclined but I can find my way through a project eventually.

 

[Guest]

I had an oil leak on left side a few months ago, I believe it was a shaft seal I replaced. After that was replaced the oil leak moved to the right side and i did not have time to get to it. So now my offseason project is to fix this leak so i can ride it next spring. In order to avoid replacing one gasket or oring at a time just to go through this again, is there a kit I can order that will replace everything I should he worrying about? It's an 81 gs450l. It's my first bike and it sat for 1 year before I got it, so I'm sure with its age it needs anything seal related replaced. Any help is greatly appreciated, sorry if this wasn't technically described correctly. I'm not super mechanically inclined but I can find my way through a project eventually.

What shaft are you talking about? The shift shaft? That only passes through one side in front of the front drive sprocket. If the engine is leaking from the other side it is different leak all together. Maybe the clutch release seal in the clutch cover? We can only guess if you can't describe it or show pics of the offending leak.

 

[cowboyup3371]

I would suggest cleaning the outside of the engine thoroughly and then spraying some foot spray (as in athlete's foot) and seeing exactly where the leak is coming from

 

[Guest]

Good suggestion.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I would suggest cleaning the outside of the engine thoroughly and then spraying some foot spray (as in athlete's foot) and seeing exactly where the leak is coming from

At worst, you may cure any fungal infections your bike may have picked up in the school locker room. lol. Honestly I have never heard this before but I think it's brilliant and I'm going to try it.

 

[Redman]

........................ is there a kit I can order that will replace everything I should he worrying about? .................

Welcome to GSR.

Good that you are intending to maintain the bike.

No, Am not aware of a seal kit for the entire engine. There are aftermarket gasket kits, but those are ment for a teardown and rebuild of the entire engine and lots of folks here recommend avoiding these aftermarket gaskets.

As far as various seals, those you have to find seperatly from OEM suppliers, most have online microfische.

I dont know the 2 cyliders engines enouigh to help you determine which seal might be the culprit on the right side of engine.

.

 

[Redman]

Here is a start
https://www.babbittsonline.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d3f22bf8700230d8b4bd66/crankcase-cover


.

 

[Guest]

At worst, you may cure any fungal infections your bike may have picked up in the school locker room. lol. Honestly I have never heard this before but I think it's brilliant and I'm going to try it.

They said to do that at MMI, Desitin or even baby powder.

 

[jsandidge]

Baby powder works, but it's harder to get it where you want it. The foot spray goes on like paint.

 

[cubfan]

Yes "shift shaft seal" sounds exactly like what I replaced. Odd name, hard to remember but yes that's it. Once that was replaced a new leak immediately popped up on the right side, and they 100% are not the same leak, I saw where the oil was coming from on the left, that seal fixed that up and then the right side started. This new leak appears to maybe be coming out of the right side cover (in the picture attached, I believe it leaks where I have it circled, out of the top of that cover.)

 

[cubfan]

I would suggest cleaning the outside of the engine thoroughly and then spraying some foot spray (as in athlete's foot) and seeing exactly where the leak is coming from

I will try this out, in the meantime what is the specific gasket called for the picture I have added. I will order one of those and see if that stops my leak.

 

[cubfan]

Welcome to GSR.

Good that you are intending to maintain the bike.

No, Am not aware of a seal kit for the entire engine. There are aftermarket gasket kits, but those are ment for a teardown and rebuild of the entire engine and lots of folks here recommend avoiding these aftermarket gaskets.

As far as various seals, those you have to find seperatly from OEM suppliers, most have online microfische.

I dont know the 2 cyliders engines enouigh to help you determine which seal might be the culprit on the right side of engine.

.

Good to know, thank you. I will search online for the specific parts

 

[Guest]

Yes "shift shaft seal" sounds exactly like what I replaced. Odd name, hard to remember but yes that's it. Once that was replaced a new leak immediately popped up on the right side, and they 100% are not the same leak, I saw where the oil was coming from on the left, that seal fixed that up and then the right side started. This new leak appears to maybe be coming out of the right side cover (in the picture attached, I believe it leaks where I have it circled, out of the top of that cover.)View attachment 56574

That is your clutch cover. It must have a crack in the gasket. You'll want part #2
GASKET
11482-44100 11482-44110

$14.01​

The oil will find the next place it can leak from. The shift seal was the biggest opening and after you fixed it the pressure made to oil find the next area it can easily escape from. This may or may not be the last place oil leaks from.

 

[fbody_mike]

If you fix one leak, and then another new one pops up, it is a good idea to check your crankcase ventilation. There should be a hose from the engine to the air box that allows crankcase blow-by to leave the engine. If that line is blocked and can't flow it is possible that it will blow out seals and cause leaks.

 

[cubfan]

That is your clutch cover. It must have a crack in the gasket. You'll want part #2
GASKET
11482-44100 11482-44110

$14.01​

The oil will find the next place it can leak from. The shift seal was the biggest opening and after you fixed it the pressure made to oil find the next area it can easily escape from. This may or may not be the last place oil leaks from.

Perfect thank you! I will get that ordered. It's the 44110 not the 44100 right?

 

[cubfan]

If you fix one leak, and then another new one pops up, it is a good idea to check your crankcase ventilation. There should be a hose from the engine to the air box that allows crankcase blow-by to leave the engine. If that line is blocked and can't flow it is possible that it will blow out seals and cause leaks.

Thank you for the advice, I will check that hose out. Might just order another if i can and replace it if it looks like the hose is a problem