Hey Guys!

Every time I ride its seems as though there is a bit of an oil leak right by the oil fill cap. I have replaced the cap and the rubber gasket in the oil cap. I have posted a photo to show where it builds up.

[img:center]https://www.dropbox.com/s/qx2cehwuk5fzafp/oil%20leak.jpg?dl=0[/img]

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I'd guess it's the seal between the cylinder and the crankcase. It's a common location for relatively small leaks. Mine leaks a bit from there. Best way to find out where it's coming from is to clean it up really good, dust it with flour or baby powder, and ride a bit. The powder will highlight where the leak is coming from.

Did as you tested! And yep! That is exactly where it's leaking from! Just ordered a new gasket!

Given the effort involved, I wouldn't fix it until the leak becomes significant. Mine has had a small leak for years.

I have no experience with this type of leak. But I think waiting a while, or possibly trying a quick fix from the outside with certain "cements" might be the first thing to consider.

Again, just a thought...

Alexd

You may be opening up Pandora's box with replacing the gasket. Especially if the leak is a minor one. Our bikes bleed oil in a few places which amounts to dime sized wet spots in the dust collected on the affected area. As peejman mentioned, it goes on for years (12 in our case) without increase. Dripping and running oil is another concern and I fix these leaks. Exhaust valve adjust cover (before silicone o-rings), shifter seal, starter motor and oil filler cap have been problems. Engine case gaskets are presently dry. I've done stators in both bikes and the gaskets are a PITA to get sealed properly. Cleaning the OEM ones off sucks too.

JB weld will work well. Jeannie punched a hole in one of the engine cases some years ago. Patched it with JB weld which lasted until we got the new parts and could fix it properly. Months as I recall. But I wouldn't use that near a screw and across two surfaces that disassemble. And there's always a rag and some CRC Brakleen.