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Out of the blue oil leak

  • Thread starter Thread starter GS1100GLMLA
  • Start date Start date
Go with a can or two of engine degreaser and have at it...take the hose and wash it off and you're done. Is the foot powder thing like rolling a fat woman in flour? :shock: :-D
 
Dave8338 said:
Go with a can or two of engine degreaser and have at it...take the hose and wash it off and you're done. Is the foot powder thing like rolling a fat woman in flour? :shock: :-D
Click to expand...
I'm not familiar with the fat woman in flour thing and I don't think I want to be.
 
Would a loose tach cable screw that goes into the valve cover cause a leak like this? As I was inspecting it I felt the knuled tach screw that goes into the valve cover area and it was real loose. I tightened it up but I don't have the exhaust on yet. What does everyone think?
 
I believe it would. If I understand correctly, that screw holds down a small plate which compresses the sealing "O" ring into place. No seal, BIG leak.

Instinct tells me you have found your problem. :-)

E.

GS1100GLMLA said:
Would a loose tach cable screw that goes into the valve cover cause a leak like this? As I was inspecting it I felt the knuled tach screw that goes into the valve cover area and it was real loose. I tightened it up but I don't have the exhaust on yet. What does everyone think?
Click to expand...
 
Well, I guess I'm not that lucky. I cleaned it up real good and took it for a ride thinking I had solved the problem and got the same results. Oil all over the engine. It is definitely coming from the front. I will have to clean it real good again and do the foot powder test on it to see where it is coming from. It kind of looks like it is coming from around the head gasket or #4 and #3 exhaust ports where the headers bolt on.
 
Well crappola!!!! Damn! OK then, clean her up and do the powder test to see exactly where the leak originates. At worst, it could be a blown head gasket and we can walk you through that disassembly and installation if you need any help. From where you've indicated the origin, could be just a valve cover gasket too. If the leak is below the exhaust flange, that would be a head gasket, If it starts above the exhaust, its valve cover.

E.


GS1100GLMLA said:
Well, I guess I'm not that lucky. I cleaned it up real good and took it for a ride thinking I had solved the problem and got the same results. Oil all over the engine. It is definitely coming from the front. I will have to clean it real good again and do the foot powder test on it to see where it is coming from. It kind of looks like it is coming from around the head gasket or #4 and #3 exhaust ports where the headers bolt on.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Really curious to hear the source of the leak - I just sprung a leak in the same spot - it looks to be coming out of the connection between the exhaust and the engine, but there is just a little bit on the lip above the interface, so i know it must be above, but cannot find a trail!!!
 
I FINALLY FOUND IT! I did the foot powder test and saw it coming out the front of the engine by the #4 exhaust port inner bolt. I After tracing it back I found it was sourcing from the inside section of the valve cover. There is a section that has a half circle in it and the gasket slid inside enough to allow oil to leak out. It basically was leaking out there which is mostly concealed by the gas tank and then flows forward across the top of the head through a small part which directs it next to the #4 exhaust port inner bolt. Now I'm going to find me a high quality valve cover gasket to replace it.
 
Hot Doggy! GOOD JOB!! A valve cover gasket is the best of a lot of not wonderful choices. :-) Almost home free. hehehehe

E. Cheers

GS1100GLMLA said:
I FINALLY FOUND IT! I did the foot powder test and saw it coming out the front of the engine by the #4 exhaust port inner bolt. I After tracing it back I found it was sourcing from the inside section of the valve cover. There is a section that has a half circle in it and the gasket slid inside enough to allow oil to leak out. It basically was leaking out there which is mostly concealed by the gas tank and then flows forward across the top of the head through a small part which directs it next to the #4 exhaust port inner bolt. Now I'm going to find me a high quality valve cover gasket to replace it.
Click to expand...
 
When you say "valve cover gasket", is that the same as a Cylinder Head Cover Gasket?? That is what I am reading off of BikeBandit as I am trying to order the right part for myself. I am trying to attach here a picture of your bike (I think) - the cylinder head cover gasket is the big gasket #2 in the picture - is that the one? Thanks!
SU0064_002.gif
 
Derwood - can you define "retorque"? I have already installed this gasket once, and had a leak as soon as the engine warmed up the first time. I thought I was meticulous when installing the gasket - any tips out there to get it done right with no leaks!?
 
Natedees,

Yes, that is the correct gasket. I will be replacing mine. Make sure you have all the old gasket material off and the metal surfaces are clean. Also make sure your new gasket is seated and positioned correctly when you put the cam cover back on.
 
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