What happens if I pull this off?

Oil is dripping in very small amount from around this piece, I think. I notice spots of oil on the kickstand, and I can see where it is running down the exhaust to the ground. I am thinking there is a gasket behind this piece maybe, and if so it needs replacing. I have a parts motor if it is something that can be swapped like that.

 

Hey Sbmaxim, it sounds like it's time for a new shifter cover gasket! It's next to impossible to salvage one from a used cover, as they get compressed and torn as you try to remove them..........


ec4) OEM Shifter Cover Gaskets. A must-replace item anytime you remove the shifter cover (left side of the bike) for periodic cleaning or clutch plate adjustment, repair, or replacement. Also listed is the round rubber o-ring seal where the shifter lever shaft comes through the shifter cover; this is a common source of leaks on these bikes.

HCP964 OEM shifter cover-to-block paper Gasket, used on all XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, and XJ900 models.
$ 10.50


http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t=180.html

 

Woot, thanks. Is this pretty simple to do? Also if I wanted to swap the clutch out with my other engine, would this be the time to do it, and is it a pretty easy job?

 

It might just be the Shift Rod Seal.

Wipe the whole case clean.
Run the bike up to temp on the work stand and then shut-down and wait.

When you see the leak ... pinpoint where its coming from.
If its just the seal ... you don't have to pull the cover to fix it ... but, you will have to put-on a new seal without damaging it during the install.

Once you determine what's leaking ... we'll go from there.

 

Yes there is a gasket behind that cover,and if it needs to be replaced,buy a new one,or use rickcomatic's "lipstick method" to make a replacement. Try to find the source of the leak,as it may be coming from the shifter shaft seal. If the latter is the case,you will need to replace the transmission cover gasket AND seal.Should you elect to repair this yourself,be mindful of the pickup coil wires that are forward of the transmission cover,as they are easily damaged...please don't ask how I know. (DOH !!!)

Good luck,
Dan

 

I'll try to find it tomorrow, the problem is it is an off and on thing. It seems to leak worse if I do not drive for a week, then it will leak for a few miles and may not be another drop of oil for a week. Other times it will drop oil in a dime size spot, 1 drop that big every day.

I only am concerned because I went to ride it this morning and the oil apparently was burning off the exhaust ans smoking, so i didn't ride because it was too dark to be sure that was what it was.

 

Sbmaxim..........the clutch unit is actually behind the big round cover on the other side of the bike.

I also have the shifter shaft seals if that needs replacing too:

HCP490 OEM shifter lever shaft rubber O-Ring Seal, used on all XJ550, XJ650, XJ700, XJ750, XJ900, and XJ1100 models, where the shifter lever shaft comes through the shifter cover.
$ 5.00

 

Hey Danno ... !!!

I screwed-up putting that Shifter Cover back-on too. Pinched those wires so bad I actually cut them. I didn't even know it was happening until putting the Torque to the fasteners and having the Cover "Snap" like I had just broken the Cap Screw.

Needless to say ... every time I do a Shifter Cover these days, I eyeball those wires and push them out of the way until the Cover is seated.

Don't ask you how you know!!
OK
As me.

You can pinch the Pick-up wires if you aren't careful putting that cover back on.
And if you do ... you need to do some clever surgery splicing, soldering and heat-shrinking those leads together again or the Bike isn't ever going to start.

Good call, Brother!
That's the write-up I should put into the "Lamebrain of the Month Club"