Another oil leak... can't find the source


Post Reply
rsuarez
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 56
Joined: Thu Dec 25, 2014 10:06 am
Location: Dallas, TX
Location: Dallas, TX

Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by rsuarez »

Hi, after rebuilding almost everything has been running quite well, and for those things that not I have tried to fix it by myself. One of the things I have been wrestling is an oil leak I can not find its source. It comes from the top fin down... it seems it comes form the head gasket but I can not fin any logic in it (Its not the cam cover for sure). Please, take a look at the pictures and tell me if you have found something similar and by chance you can help me. (the broken fins are thanks to the previous owner).

Image

Image

I have already checked torque and placed a little Hondabond on studs washers. I don't think it could come form the perforations on the block since it seems to come form top fin down.

Thanks for any help!

Ramon
Rsuarez
1971 Triumph Daytona, 1979 Honda CBX, 1979 Ducati 900GTS, 1984 Honda 200XR, 1992 Gilera CX, 2009 KTM 990 Adventure, 2016 KTM 250 2t Six Days, 2018 BMW K1600B

Mouse
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 569
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 9:56 am
Location: Canmore Alberta Canada
Location: Canmore Alberta Canada

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by Mouse »

I've got one of those leaks as well. Not in the same area as you. Mine only presents itself via an oil spot on the garage floor. Try not cleaning it off and see if, over time , dust in the air will show its source via dust sticking to the oil track. :think:
Canadian Amateur Radio Call sign VE6 VES

User avatar
FalldownPhil
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 929
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 11:25 pm
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA. USA
Contact:

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by FalldownPhil »

A couple of other possibilities. Keep in mind that the wind blows oil all over the place and then gravity plays its part as well.
The tach drive seal can do this. A leaky cam chain adjuster. Cam cover bolt seals.
I must add that the cylinder studs, washers, and nuts are a likely candidate. DAMHIK :-)
Good luck.
Very Best,
Phil
When you are up to your ass in alligators it is sometimes difficult
to remember that your objective was to drain the swamp !!

rsuarez
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 56
Joined: Thu Dec 25, 2014 10:06 am
Location: Dallas, TX
Location: Dallas, TX

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by rsuarez »

Thanks to both. The only thing I am sure it is not coming from the cover or anything related to it. I guess studs and as Phils says the wind is making it difficult to trace. I will keep looking. thanks.
Rsuarez
1971 Triumph Daytona, 1979 Honda CBX, 1979 Ducati 900GTS, 1984 Honda 200XR, 1992 Gilera CX, 2009 KTM 990 Adventure, 2016 KTM 250 2t Six Days, 2018 BMW K1600B

User avatar
wyly
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 1727
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:20 pm
Location: calgary alberta canada
Location: Calgary Canada

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by wyly »

i agree with mouse, don't clean it and dust may show the origin, if not as phil says maybe the wind is blowing it from elsewhere like the cooler.

I've got a couple minor leaks as well but I'm not going to do anything to stop them until I need to open up the engine...my right crankcase cover has been dripping since '78 and resisted all attempts to fix it :(

use a dremel and grind/polish the chipped fins into a shape that blends in with the others...
CBX a work in progress, still improving...GS1150EFE completed and awaiting modifications.....RD350, remnants in boxes scattered throughout the garage

User avatar
NobleHops
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 3867
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:17 am
Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA
Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by NobleHops »

I've used spray powder deodorant before to locate oil leaks. Foot powder for athlete's foot is similar, sprays a coating of white powder. Oil leaves telltale tracks over it.
Nils Menten
Tucson, Arizona, USA '80 CBX, sort-of restored :-)

Mouse
ICOA Member
ICOA Member
Posts: 569
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 9:56 am
Location: Canmore Alberta Canada
Location: Canmore Alberta Canada

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by Mouse »

NobleHops wrote:I've used spray powder deodorant before to locate oil leaks. Foot powder for athlete's foot is similar, sprays a coating of white powder. Oil leaves telltale tracks over it.
:shock: :doh:
simple, fast, effective
Canadian Amateur Radio Call sign VE6 VES

MIKE DAVIS
Forum Regular
Forum Regular
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2016 12:35 pm
Location: SPARKS NV
Location: SPARKS NV

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by MIKE DAVIS »

I had a leak just like that on my '79. I switched to all 10mm cylinder studs, the newer knurled style. Now I can torque them all to 24 ft lbs and the problem is gone. The cases are soft so I made a thread tap out of a 10mm stud and tapped the holes with the cylinder block and head on to be sure to get the holes straight.

MIKE DAVIS
Forum Regular
Forum Regular
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2016 12:35 pm
Location: SPARKS NV
Location: SPARKS NV

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by MIKE DAVIS »

I also used ARP thread sealer on the threads and washers. It's designed for just that purpose.

Larry Zimmer
ICOA Web Post/Pix/Video Archive Mgt
ICOA Web Post/Pix/Video Archive Mgt
Posts: 2196
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:32 pm
Location: Brighton, MI
Location: Brighton, Mich
Contact:

Re: Another oil leak... can't find the source

Post by Larry Zimmer »

Good 'stuff'! :text-thankyouyellow: for the input, Mike.
Larry Zimmer
cbxlarry@sbcglobal.net

Post Reply

Return to “ENGINES: Maintenance, Performance, Parts Sources”