oil leaks

[leghorn1956]

Hi guys.. and gals. The weather is finally here and oil leaks. It seems to be the gasket behind the oil sight glass. I think it's called the front gear case. How much work would be involved in changing this large gasket. I also had some oil coming from what seems like a drain hole, on the bottom side, where the final gear case mounts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Leghorn
ps. I torque the case bolts and will know later if it still leaks...

[dcmrn1959]

The second leak you describe sounds like the oil seal behind the water pump. That's not a major job. I did it in half a day and I was slow lol. The other I'm sorry but cant help you there. Dan

[leghorn1956]

Sorry about that. The second leak is were the swing arm connects to the rear gear case.
thanks Jean-pierre

[tregal16]

your second leak...is it motor oil or gear oil? There is an o ring on the spline that may be causing your issue, OR it could be the final drive is to full and leaking. I had to change the drive shaft on mine, after I did that I had a leak at the front of my drive shaft (where it connects with the transmission) I put up with it for a season then tore it apart to fix it. While I had it apart, I drilled out the vent hole on the final drive and carefully put everything back together...final result is no leaks...so not sure if I pinched the o-ring the first time or if the vent hole fixed it. Anyway...just some ideas...good luck

[leghorn1956]

Now that the bike is clean, I will be able to locate the leaks and identify them better. I have a 1000 k ride this weekend and then I should have a better view. All is fun and games until you get a leak.... I'll check back next week .
Thanks again guys.
Jean-pierre

[leghorn1956]

Trip done and its leaking from the front gear case gasket and also from the oil seal behind the water pump. How much work is involved in changing the front gear case gasket. It has been two weeks since I returned from a great week in Mexico for my sons' wedding and i'm still fighting the Mexican BUG. I'm fairly handy, but right now, i'm not up to par. If it's lots of work, I might bring the bike into the shop. On the other hand it will probably be a week or so before I get it back. I'm hoping for some inspiration and guidance. Awaiting patiently. Thanks Jean-pierre

[richardb, austin]

leghorn, you mentioned probable leak behind the oil sight glass. I haven't worked on that but I have archived this thought from Gary for your consideration:

"While it may be a problem with the seal in your waterpump, I also know that this oil leak problem has been misdiagnosed as a waterpump oil leak by many, but in fact, turned out to be a oil pressure switch leak. This switch is located a little further back of the water pump, back behind the oil sight glass. It has two wires connected to it, one in the center, the other hooked on to the screw in adaptor. The adaptor is made out of plastic and it usually the problem. You will need to buy a new switch which comes with the adaptor to probably stop the leak. Simply removinag the switch and applying something like pipe dope or teflon tape will probably not solve the problem. The new adaptors come coated with a special sealant. To test to see if the oil pressure switch or adaptor is what is leaking. Clean the area well first with a degreaser, then spray foot powder on it to coat the surface around the switch with powder. Then run the engine for a little bit to a small ride. Check to see if powder is being washed off by oil, if it is, there's your problem. Gary AVA site admin"

[Mart656]

I had an oil leak and was worried about it being something major. Using your tip on cleaning with degreaser and then using foot powder, I found the leak. It was the oil pressure switch. It was weird because sometimes it would leak and sometimes not but not always very much. I have the oil pressure switch and will be changing it in the near future. Thanks again.

[metric]

The oil leak from the water pump is not to dad to fix... check this :
http://www.abbikeboard.com/forum/viewto ... ?f=4&t=560

[cushman eagle]

I also had a rear end leak if I rode long enough to get it up to operating temperature.It would seep out at the rubber boot at the swingarm.So Saturday 6-21-14 I removed the final drive and drilled out the vent hole.The longest I have been able to ride it since, was a 40 mile parts run today,which resulted in a dry garage floor.

[kjsett]

I changed out my driveshaft in March, but yesterday, for the first time, I noticed maybe a teaspoon of oil where my bike was parked.
Leaving in the morning for Colorado, so I hope it is no big deal for now, but will keep an eye on it. Could be the heat (riding in 105F) coupled with no vent hole (to my knowledge) on my 2003 caused it. I did change the gear oil then.
Just have to watch it. Unfortunately I can't get to Asheville (not enough time for my wife's traveling ability), but we are going from Colorado up through Montana then over to Oregon, then down the coast and back to Phoenix. Long trip anyway so I will have to watch it as I am pulling a kwik Kamp trailer for the 1st time. 14ft long model from the 80's that the floors are all suspended at least a foot in the air when assembled. Renting from my neighbor for $100 to see if I want to buy it, but last we talked, he plans on keeping it.
Anyway, I will keep an eye on it and good luck with your bike.
Ken

[leghorn1956]

Well it has been over a year and finally the problem has been fixed. After contacting Carl, and crying the blues, he sent me a water pump seal kit and some inspiration. A 2 hour job... (2) five hour shifts and Voila.. When you don't have all the tools at hand and the experience, it takes a little longer. The winter was so cold and long, I only got the repair done in late April. The shop had quoted me 4 hours labor plus whatever else they want to rip you off for. I've put on 3500 kms and Big Red has been parked the last two weeks . The bike is running better than ever.
Thanks jean-pierre