Searching for an oil leak

ryanschoebel · August 25, 2018, 10:56:06 AM

Hey all, in trying to get my bike ready for the run to Cali this October, Im trying to track down an elusive oil leak, that i just cant seem to find. There may even be a few. Anytime i ride at highway speeds for more than about 15 minutes or so,my rear tire starts collecting oil, and anytime i park it, there will be a few drips, by the kickstand . Any tips or tricks to track this thing down?

Pat Conlon · August 25, 2018, 11:30:52 AM

Wash the engine then spray on foot powder. If you're getting oil on the back tire, it's dangerous.

racerrad8 · August 25, 2018, 11:52:18 AM

Left side or right side of the tire/wheel?

Randy - RPM

ryanschoebel · August 25, 2018, 03:34:53 PM

Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 25, 2018, 11:30:52 AM
Wash the engine then spray on foot powder. If you're getting oil on the back tire, it's dangerous.

I know its not good, i keep a careful eye on it. and Randy, both, but heavier on the right

ryanschoebel · August 25, 2018, 08:46:38 PM

Alright, so I might be dumb... After lots of searching, lots of brake cleaner to clean old oil off, i found what i think is the source... my oil drain plug doesnt have a washer/gasket that i can see. I couldnt see that before, until i pulled my exhaust off.

red · August 25, 2018, 09:23:17 PM

Quote from: ryanschoebel on August 25, 2018, 08:46:38 PMAlright, so I might be dumb... After lots of searching, lots of brake cleaner to clean old oil off, i found what i think is the source... my oil drain plug doesnt have a washer/gasket that i can see. I couldnt see that before, until i pulled my exhaust off.

Ryan,

That washer/gasket is Yamaha P/N 214-11198-01-00.

The FJ drain plug P/N decodes to a 14mm "bolt." Volkswagen has a few models now that use 14mm drain plugs, so a good auto parts store may have them in stock at a fair price. There may be several "crush washers" (or more) in the package. Call around and check prices. Their "crush washer" may be soft aluminum or copper. Use brake cleaner and paper towels to clean the old oil off of everything there. Install the plug and "crush washer" with wet (uncured) RTV sealant on the "crush washer," top and bottom. Then torque the drain plug to a reasonable value, and it will not leak again.

.

ryanschoebel · August 25, 2018, 10:03:53 PM

Sounds good, thanks Red. I actually just ordered those,and a few other things I needed from RPM. I got a metal crush washer, and a new plug as well.

CutterBill · August 27, 2018, 07:51:24 AM

Drain plugs do NOT need sealant, of any kind. That's what the crush washer does... seal. If you install a new washer and it leaks, then something is wrong. Fix the problem; don't slap a band-aid on it.

Look at it this way... when that bike was new on the dealer floor, the drain plug didn't have any sealer on it. And it didn't leak.
Bill

ZOA NOM · August 27, 2018, 10:43:55 AM

Check to be sure the current drain plug wasn't cross-threaded. Make sure the surface the new washer presses against is free of flaws.

ryanschoebel · August 27, 2018, 01:32:28 PM

Bill, and Rick, thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated.

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Searching for an oil leak