Left Side Engine Cover

[qmaster234]

Got back from riding 125 miles yesterday and saw oil on kickstand. Lying on the ground (only option) I saw oil on the pipes and the left side frame. It is not coming from the oil drain plug or filter. I appears to be coming from the left side engine case cover. What is behind the cover that could leak oil that is not a major job to repair with out taking to the stealer or shop. I have all of the tools and a buddies garage if needed. I just don't know what to expect.

2005 1600 with 52k miles

[dank]

Make sure it is oil. I'm guessing you have a leak from your clutch slave cylinder seal. I had the same symptoms. Took the cover off, and tightened the fittings. Cleaned everything up, and no more problem. Took care of it. As I remember, Gadget has info if you need to replace the seal.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by qmaster234

Got back from riding 125 miles yesterday and saw oil on kickstand. Lying on the ground (only option) I saw oil on the pipes and the left side frame. It is not coming from the oil drain plug or filter. I appears to be coming from the left side engine case cover. What is behind the cover that could leak oil that is not a major job to repair with out taking to the stealer or shop. I have all of the tools and a buddies garage if needed. I just don't know what to expect.

2005 1600 with 52k miles

If it's engine oil and not brake fluid, then the problem is likely the clutch pushrod seal. It's a small seal that fits into a hole in the side of the crankcase and they can come loose and slide up the pushrod. You need to remove the left side cover and you should be able to see it. If that's the problem, remove the clutch slave cylinder (3 bolts), and the pushrod (taking note of which end goes inside the engine), clean the crankcase hole where the seal goes to remove all oil. If the seal isn't damaged, and they usually aren't - you can reuse it, otherwise replace it. Use some Permatex Gasket Adhesive (I THINK it's #97B - someone else may know for sure) and coat the outside surface of the seal. DON'T GET ANY ON THE INSIDE OF THE SEAL! Insert the seal back in the hole and let the adhesive set up, then reassemble. That should solve your problem.

[lomax]

Just a note to add to CJ's instructions. Push the seal in only flush with the outside of the engine case. If you push it in to far, it can fall right inside the crankcase! :)

[ringadingh]

It may also be gear oil from the final drive, if the pinion seal goes bad it will allow the gear oil to travel up the driveshaft tube and leak out near the rubber boot and down your sidestand.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by lomax

Just a note to add to CJ's instructions. Push the seal in only flush with the outside of the engine case. If you push it in to far, it can fall right inside the crankcase! :)

Thanks. I did neglect to mention that there's no shoulder to retain the seal in the crankcase wall.

[macmac]

Bad Cj Bad

[kpmhspirit]

Probably the clutch push rod seal. Had the same issue

http://home.insightbb.com/~kpmh.010/...h-Rod-Seal.htm

Pete

[dougster]

Originally Posted by lomax

Just a note to add to CJ's instructions. Push the seal in only flush with the outside of the engine case. If you push it in to far, it can fall right inside the crankcase! :)

Been there, done that. I would put a rod or something through the seal to hold it so you do not push it too far. And make sure you put back in the way it came out. (I can't remember if it had to go in a certain way).

[qmaster234]

Thanks for all of the information, makes me feel a lot better knowing that most likely a simple repair. I will probably do it on Sunday need to Ride on Saturday I don't think it is leaking enough to worry about a 100 mile ride. I will check the oil to make sure.

David

[leadbelly]

Although I've never done this particular seal, and can't imagine why it wouldn't work in this application. Try putting a little "green" or med stregnth "blue" loc-tite on the seal, that should hold it in place and it doesn't make it impossible to get out later. Just don't use "red".

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Pete, thanks for the link you posted. That should help some of us when we have to do this.

[qmaster234]

I finally got around to repairing the leak, it was the seal for the slave cylinder. Cleaned everything up, put a little rtv silicone around the outside edge of the seal and tapped it back into place. I let it sit about 2 hours to give the rtv time to set up a little. I rode 150 miles today and no leaks. Total time for repair 45 minutes, thanks for all of the advice and links to the fix. $0.00 cost