New rider question: Oil leak - How serious?

[Jay96B6]

Hi, I just got my MC license and got a 1996 B6 with 16k miles on it (My first bike!). I found the oil leaking from the output shaft seal, gear shifter seal, and the drain plug. Every time I stop after riding I can see oil dripping from the bottom of the engine. According to the Haynes book, I may have to remove the engine to get to the output shaft oil seal.

Question: If I keep an eye on the oil level, will this leak damage anything? I want to deal with it later because I am too excited not to ride it. - Thanks!

[Red01]

If the leakage is slight and you keep the oil level up, it'll probably be OK for a while - even a long time.

OTOH, consider if oil can get out, dirt can probably get in, so it's best to fix the leak when you can.

That said, I've been living with a drippy rear main seal on my Jeep for a long time because I'm too lazy to fix it.  

[stormi]

That said, I've been living with a drippy rear main seal on my Jeep for a long time because I'm too lazy to fix it.  

Yeah, but that's a jeep!  It's expected to be a little bumped and bruised and possibly a little incontinent.....  




  Jay96B6, and congratulations on your new bike!!

[txbanditrydr]

The drain plug would be the most worrisome to me since it's mostly in line with the rear wheel.  OTOH... it should be the easiest thing to fix.

Also, a lot depends on the amount of oil leaking over a certain period of time.  If you're leaving a 2 foot diameter puddle in an hours time I'd say stop riding and fix it.  The planet just might thank you.

[Bob Holland]

Check the valve cover gasket. The oil will run down the front of the engine and blow back all over the under side, and drip from everywhere.
May not be the problem, but worth checking.

[pmackie]

oil leaking from the output shaft seal, gear shifter seal, and the drain plug

The oil "loss", as long as it's slight, and you keep an eye on the level will not damage the engine. As tx said, oil getting onto the rear tire can make for some unexpected, exciting moments.

I would also be worried that instead of leaking seals, maybe you have a crack in the case near the sprocket. Clean it well and look. If no crack, you should be able to check and fix the drain plug without too much trouble.

For the seal leaks (once you confirm the seals are leaking, not the case) you can try going up a grade in engine oil viscosity, ie: to a 20W50, mineral based (not synthetic) and shorten the drain interval. The extra VII, and keeping the oil fresh, make help reduce the amount leaking from the seals.

[Jay96B6]

Thanks everyone! This forum is amazing....

Here is the leak after a typical ride:

I guess I will just keep riding and fix it in the winter.

[Bob Holland]

If it is the clutch rod seal, it should not be to hard to replace.