slight oil drip

hi again,
a couple weeks ago i discovered a slight oil drip where the back of the filter cover meets ... whatever it meets - a part of the exhaust (can take a pic if need too)? i'm pretty sure this wasn't happening before. changed the oil once since i got it but not the filter - was having touble unscrewing the filter bolt.

could this be something simple to correct? drip seems to form ususally after riding. oil looks pretty clean.

thanks- nathan

 

If you're talking about around where the oil filter mounts then it is likely the same part I replaced this spring - it's about a 3" o-ring. If you goto any Yamaha dealer they should have on in stock as it's for a variety of models... pretty cheap part too. I think I'll replace mine every other oil change as they're cheap and it's frustrating to have it leak after an oil change and have to dump perfectly good oil.

 

Woot, you wouldn't be referring to the o-rings included in the FRAM oil filter kit would you? I know that the dealer and EMGO don't include the o-rings but Fram includes them with every filter purchase (and at $5.00 USD it's a great bargain!).

 

you should also look for leak around the tac seal, which could be dripping down some.

 

Robert: the real large one? IF so then - yes... I thought I used to get them when I brought filters but I'm a bit fuzzy these days

 

Yes Woot, the large cover o-ring and the bolt o-ring are in there (if they are not, you got ripped). Nayonline, is it possible you cross-threaded the filter cover bolt? If the cover gets cocked on the seat against the block, it will leak for sure, loads of oil too. You mentioned a drip right? I hope so. First, tighten the bolt to the specified torque again, that may be all that is needed. If your having trouble tightening it, clean up the threads on the bolt or get a new bolt, they are cheap enough. Get new o-rings while your at it and replace the old ones. I hope this is as far as you might need to go 'cause anything else is expensive.

 

Hey..snick...I have that leak at the tac seal where the cable goes in.....how do I stop it? The bike is an 82 Seca 550......leaks just enough to bug me....don

 

There is a small o-ring around the tach gear housing and a small seal inside the housing that you would need to replace. I have replaced each twice now and have never gotten the leak to go away. I even went as far as to replace the housing with no success.

 

i gave the local shop $30 to fix it. no more leak...even after the recent crash. sorry i was slow to reply, vacation without internet....just got back.

 

I'm curious as to what that $30 got you. Could you post the shop's findings?

 

dunno about that stupid leak...I got the kit from bike bandit....put in in very carefully an still have the leak.....maybe it's just gonna always be there...seems like there's always little bugs to drive ya crazy.....

my sportster has a water leak on the left turn signal....did everything I could and still water gets in....I even bought a new turn signal....and now that one leaks too...the right is ok...but the left likes to leak...guess cause I've always lived on the left side of life....don

 

have you thought of drilling a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the signal to let the water get out?

 

left flasher.....
I'll guess the water is capillering? via the wires that go through the stem when on kickstand and turned left....

 

see...there ya go...like I said...it's one of those things...that just drives ya crazy.....the drilling is definately an option but...well...that would fix it fer sure...what fun would that be...then something else would start up....

gotta drink a few beers before I decide to let it go....the leak with the Seca is definately a very minor problem...I mean it's not even an ounce in a month...soooo I live with that cause it's an old guy like me...but the sportster..well...it's a 04 and that is unacceptable for a $12,000.00 ride....don

 

ok i have the tach leak on my 81 550 seca and looking at getting it fixed. but can figure out how the tach case comes apart?

can someone point me in the right direction. i am able to take the stopper and bolt (parts 6&7) but parts 2, 3, 4, & 5 I can't get to. Do I need to take the valve cover off to get to them?

 

Nope, you should be able to grasp the gear housing (#3) and pull it all out. If it is stuck, wiggle it a little. Worst case, try to pry it out using a screwdriver behind the tabs on the gear housing. Failing that, pop the valve cover and pry it out.

 

Thanks Robert. I was able to get loosened from the cyl head. I tried taking it apart but to check if the oil seal was bad but couldn't remove part 5 from part 3.