'81 XJ750RH - oil leak?

I have an oily spot just to the right of the oil drain plug on my XJ750. If you are looking from the front to the back directly at the oil drain plug below the filter........just to the right there is a small diameter black cable going into the bottom of the engine. There is also a screw and plate where the cable passes thru. This area seems a little oily. What is this cable (tach?) and why might it be leaking around this spot?

Thanks,

 

That is your oil level sensor. The o-ring on those tend to drop dead after an appropriate period of time. Your beast and mine are prime candidates for an o-ring renewal right about now. Nip on down to the hardware store when your doing your next oil change and use the removed sensor to pick up a new o-ring. I would suggest a Vitrol (? not sure I spelled it right) or silicone ring since this area of the motor will tend to be a bit hotter. Best of luck to you!

 

That's Viton Robert. We have also had god luck with Buna-N orings.

 

Thanks Max. Where would you suggest finding these, McMaster Carr is the only source I'm familar with. Any other thoughts?

 

Thanks for the tip. I checked the parts schematic on the XJCD. It has the oil level guage assembly being held in place by two screws with a washer and spring washer each. I don't see an oring. Am I missing something?

Also, can this assembly be removed with pipes in place? It looks like an awfully tight fit.

Thanks

 

You shouldn't have a gauge on your bike, just an idiot light on the LCD warning panel. If you do have a gauge, it will be an aftermarket device (though I'd like to see it if you do have it). The oil level sensor has an o-ring around the sensor's body. It is possible it doesn't show up on the schematic for the pan. I'm using the Haynes manual (a good compendium to the factory manual and at under $20 it's money well spent) and found the most wonderful picture of the sender and it's attendant o-ring in Chapter 6, Page 241. I am unaware of any problems in removal with the pipes in place. I've only pulled it with the motor out of the frame.

 

Thanks Robert...........

I checked the Haynes manual and a picture is worth a thousand words. Now I see what I'm after.

Again, thank you.

 

McMaster-Carr is where I get mine but any auto parts store should have a selection on hand. Most have an oring kit with many sizes. On removing the sensor I had to remove the collector on my 750 Maxim. I would assume that it is the same for the Seca.