Oil leak

[tchill62]

I have a 2011 Vaquero, I've noticed oily residue around the end of a threaded bolt which is just above the oil filler cap. this residue or leak settles at the base around and near the filler cap. I originally thought that the leak was coming from the filler cap, but when I touch the end of this bolt there is oil around it. It is a very slow leak and a small amount. I do not notice any oil on the floor below my bike. I checked the oil awhile back (before there was any notice of this) and it seemed like I needed to add some. Don't remember now exactly how much I added, but I'm sure it was less than half a quart. I originally thought I had over filled, but my dip stick didn't indicate so. I will admit these particular ones are not as easy to read as the dip sticks on my Harley, not to mention the bike needs to be upright. I took my Vaquero to the dealer at the end of the day Thursday, they still haven't got too it; we're busy, so forth and so on..... The mechanic didn't think it was over fill, but then again they haven't gotten into it. Any thoughts?

[HeyJoe]

I've always been in the habit of checking my oil on a regular basis on my skoots and topping up when required. As I've learned on my 2012 Vaquero, it isn't as simple as just checking the dipstick and then adding oil. As you probably already know, you have to run the motor for a few minutes and then wait a few more before checking the level. Because the oil is so clean it can be hard to read (or misread) the dipstick and you may end up adding oil that you don't really need.

I had the same problem you are having. I couldn't determine the source of the oil leak because the cap was on tight and it really wasn't coming from that source anyway. It was all down the bottom of the frame and starting on the sidewall of the back tire after a long day on the road coming back from Nova Scotia. I wiped her down and put 'er to bed for the night and took into the shop to get checked when I got home. It turned out to be a blown shaft seal. Whether this was caused by overfill, no one can say for sure, but they ordered the fitty-cent part and replaced it and all was well. It was about a $400 job but it was covered by the power train warranty so I dodged a bullet. Not saying it's a shaft seal, but hey, it happened to me so if you get it checked out have the mechanic check this (unless you do it yourself).

[tchill62]

Thanks Joe, I might just mention that to the mechanic, you never know.