Leaks!

Ok, so, problems. I have some leaks. Attached are pictures of the problem areas. I'm looking at what I should do to remedy the problems. For background info, I bought the bike this summer, have put around 1K miles on in in the past few months, and have been rather grandma-like in my driving habits (for the most part). I also live in Chicago, whose roads are less-than-stellar.

Final drive


I have oil leaking from my final drive. It appears to be leaking from the breather element on the top (you can see some liquid in the small gap). This would lead me to believe that perhaps it was just overfilled, and is leaking excess fluid, but this only started recently, and I imagine it would have balanced out by now. I haven't been able to get the bolt off to measure the inside amount, but hope to gain some leverage on the wrench tonight. You can also see all the oil that's dripped onto the tire. Is there a likely cause to this problem on the Seca?

Engine


As you can see in the above images, the oil goes as high as a seam on the engine, hence the assumption that it's leaking from said seam. My oil level dummy light hasn't lit up, and I'm changing the oil every 1K miles, but I haven't been able to get at the oil filter to change it (stripped bolt). I see one point about midway on the engine, and another by the heads. Is this likely some gaskets that need to be changed?

Fuel Tank

As you can see, there's no way this thing is air/water tight. If I don't cover the bike during a storm, water will get into the tank. So I need to fix this. I was considering just spraying some truck bed liner type material along the rim (protecting the inside tank from receiving any contamination) in hopes of reviving the seal. Any better ideas?

Thanks a lot, guys. This is my only mode of transport until the snow arrives, so I need to keep her going. Not to mention that I really enjoy the bike, and would hate to see her die on me.

 

I think your final drive unit is overfilled or the hypoid oil has started to froth and escape from the breather unit. Replace the oil and fill it to spec (which I think off the top of my head is just below the fill screw when the bike is on the center stand).

The oil leak at the engine indicates a bad gasket in that corner. You could try to band aid it for the rest of the summer or just leave it if it isn't too bad. Eventually, you'll need to pull that head off and replace the gasket.

The gas cap appears normal other than the rust around the opening but that can be caused by condensation forming inside the tank. Looking at the rubber seal of the cap itself - it looks to be in good shape. Do you leak fuel when full up and leaning into corners? If not, I wouldn't do anything to it but others here might have some other suggestions.

 

I don't usually fill it high enough to spill any fuel during a lean, nor do I lean too hard on Chicago streets. But rocking it with a full tank, I believe a little came out. And there's always the scent of gasoline when I'm on the bike. The thing I'm most worried about is water getting in, especially with it getting cold.

 

Drain the Rear End and Flush-out the Breather with Disc Brake Cleaner.

Let all the old Gear Oil drip out and then Flush the Breather by sticking the applicator tube to Brake Cleaner up in there and spraying it good and clean.

Balance the gap with the tip of a real large screwdriver.

Refill after everything is cleaned.

The cool weather acts upon the Gear Oil and lets it stay tight. The constant push toward the breather causes the leak.
It's common on these rear ends.

 

Excellent. Thank you sir.

 

Fraps is spot on Crewwolfy, at a minimum I would start saving for a new head and valve cover gasket.

 

From the Photo ... it dosen't look like the Half-moon end on the front, there,, is seated right.

If the gasket you got is the Original ... it did you well for 20 Years or so.
You'll get that out of a new one; too!

Sometimes you have to quote Tom Crusie from the movie "Risky Business"
You know?

 

Do you drain the rear end by just removing the plug at the bottom rear? I have this exact same issues since the weather turned colder.

 

Yes.
The Drain Plug is at 6 O'Clock on the Final Drive Unit.
It drains straight down ... of course.

Make a chute out of tin foil.
Keep the rear wheel and tire clean.