Need Help Finding an Oil Leak

[twerth]

My '84 Ascot that has an oil leak I'm having trouble identifying. It leaks while it's sitting (not running), and will lose ~5 drops over night. I've cleaned the engine so it's nice and shiny to help see where it's coming from. I have been able to narrow it down to the lower left side of the engine, but can't pinpoint. I suspect the o-ring on the water pump and was wondering if this is a common problem. I was thinking about dusting it with baby powder, but was hoping there are tips or tricks others here have used. Any advice is appreciated.

[J6G1Z]

How about the shift shaft seal?

Try storing it on the center stand & see if anything changes.


J.

[twerth]

The description above is with it on the center stand. Should have mentioned that.

[murdo]

Baby powder is a good way of tracing leaks.

[twerth]

Thanks for the suggestions, fellas! I removed the shift lever, plastic cover, kick stand and the neutral switch. Cleaned everything up and sprayed with foot powder. After letting it sit for a day or two, it was still hard to identify exactly where the problem was, but the prime suspects were the neutral switch shaft seal and the water pump o-ring. I ordered those two as well as a new shift shaft seal. I installed the two seals but held off on the water pump o-ring since it's a bigger hassle to install. Went for a ride to shake things up and it's set on the center stand for a few days with no drips. Hopefully I can call this one solved, but I'd like to put a few more miles on it to be sure. I'll check back in if the leak returns. Thanks again!

[twerth]

It's been nearly a week and about 100 miles and not a drip. I think I can call this one solved