oil leak! HELP!

I got an 82 550 maxim. it runs great, I ride it everyday everywhere. and thanks to everybodys help. However, after I ride it for an hour or two it begins to leak oil. Not just a little drip, but a considerable amount of oil. I can't quite tell where exactly it's comming from or the reason, but it only happens when she is hot. I might have over filled the oil a little. would that play a factor. anything helps. thanx again.

 

Essdot, You NEED to check your oil level. Put it on the center stand and check. If it has too much, drain out the excess or the bike will do it for you. Usually all over the place and the bike will run poorly. You need to determine the general area the oil is coming from. It could be a cracked case, bad seal or over-servicing depending on this info. Do your best to clean the machine up real good and then try to get it to leak again (after you check your oil level). Report back here with what you find.

 

Oil level checking tip, 100% sure for 550's: On the SIDEstand, there should be NOTHING showing in the sightglass. Bring the bike up to straight vertical and you should see the oil come up in the sightglass, just past the upper mark is OK, but not TOO far past. Ideally there should still be a little bit of a "bubble" showing at the very top. If it's overfilled, you'll most likely see oil when it's on the sidestand, and you shouldn't. Then take Robert's advice on locating the leak.

 

The leak is definately comming from under the seat area. I can't quite pinpoint the area with all the oil mess. It is definately overfull going with that advice. I will drain the oil to the appropriate level and hopefully that should do the trick. thanx for the advice once again.

 

If over filled, it will puke out the breather into the air box, and then get all over. Sounds like you're on the track. (My '83 550 came with a full gallon of oil in it...from the PO of course...)