Author Topic: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200 (Read 3208 times)

smearig · « **on:** June 16, 2006, 05:54:29 PM »

I went out to my '03 B12S this morning and there was an 8" diameter puddle of oil underneath the left engine cover! I tightened down the allen bolts holding the cover on (they seemed a little loose) but it left another puddle at work. Do these gaskets just go bad? Could I put some RTV on the old one while I wait for a new one to be shipped? I need my bike to not be leaking that much oil, it's the only transportation I have. Also, if I take the left cover off will all the oil in the engine come out? What is under there?

PaulVS · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2006, 07:31:51 PM »

just replace the gasket underneath, and make sure all the bolts are tightened down well. It's not an uncommon problem.

smearig · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2006, 08:08:19 PM »

Good to hear it's not uncommon. It seems like an odd problem to me but I guess buying another $23 worth of oil and a new gasket isn't the end of the world.

PaulVS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2006, 01:19:26 AM »

You might also want to add a little gasket sealent just to be on the safe side. The gasket itself is around $6 if I remember correctly.

Dragbike · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2006, 04:56:17 AM »

Luckly I have not had this problem with my 2002 Bandit. But the 2 old Katana 1127's (Same Part Number on the covers as the Bandit) All the time (maybe old age and/or too tight.... prolly both) even with just new gasket. Use RTV or yamabond or Hondabond (or whatever honda calls it) on the gasket.
Brent

smearig · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2006, 05:30:19 PM »

Will do. I took all the bolts out last night and shifted the cover around a little bit. After I cleaned the threads on the bolts and re-torqued the leak went away. I ordered a new gasket anyway and I'm going to replace it during my next oil change.

KoolDawg6 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:22:49 AM »

Out of the blue a month ago I had my starter cover(left side) start leaking on me...literaly. I was riding it and came to a stop and noticed my left boot was really wet and shiny looking. Hmmmm I don't recall hitting water or walking through wet grass or such. Stopped and got off and there I saw a drip from the bottom of the cover. I myself tried tightening the bolts to no avail so I ordered a new gasket. After 30 minutes I had the new gasket on(used a tiny bead of gasket maker between the block and gasket for added insurance), let it set for 2 days and have ridden nearly 1000 drip free miles so far.