Author Topic: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak  (Read 11038 times)

twerth

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 23
Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« on: August 26, 2016, 09:58:57 am »
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.
1984 Honda VT500FT
2006 Ducati ST3s
2000 Yamaha WR400

J6G1Z

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1598
Re: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2016, 10:47:50 am »
How about the shift shaft seal?

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


J.

twerth

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 23
Re: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2016, 12:41:42 pm »
The description above is with it on the center stand. Should have mentioned that.
1984 Honda VT500FT
2006 Ducati ST3s
2000 Yamaha WR400

murdo

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 137
Re: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2016, 04:00:05 am »
Baby powder is a good way of tracing leaks.

twerth

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 23
Re: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2016, 09:10:14 am »
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!
1984 Honda VT500FT
2006 Ducati ST3s
2000 Yamaha WR400

twerth

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 23
Re: Need Help Finding an Oil Leak
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2016, 08:47:08 am »
It's been nearly a week and about 100 miles and not a drip. I think I can call this one solved  8)
1984 Honda VT500FT
2006 Ducati ST3s
2000 Yamaha WR400