Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 600 thru 1200 - AIR/OIL COOLED TECHNICAL => Topic started by: smearig on June 16, 2006, 05:54:29 PM

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: 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?

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: PaulVS 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.

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: smearig 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.

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: PaulVS 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.

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: Dragbike 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

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: smearig 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.

Title: Left Engine Cover Leak on 1200
Post by: KoolDawg6 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.