Oil leak...starter clutch cover gasket ?

[NomisQC]

Hi !

I was riding this afternoon...after 200+ kms, I suddenly spotted an oil leak from underneath the bike.

It was definitively not there this morning. Did not drop the bike or hit anything.

It just started to drip.

It seems to come from under the magneto cover and a motorcycle mecanic thinks it probably is only the gasket...

If it's the case, I plan on replacing it myself (I only have to drain the oil, remove cover, replace gasket and cover and add oil right ?)

Anyone has encountered this problem before ?

What else could it be ?

Thanks !

[LowRyter]

happened to me.  You need a gasket & allen wrench.  Yours probably had the gasket folded over on one of the screw holes (like mine did).   You won't have to change the oil.  Some might seep out, so put a pan under it just in case.  

Why you're at it, why not get an ignition advancer from Dale Walker.  It will set you back $30 and you can feel the increase in throttle response.   He'll throw in the gasket with the kit.   

[NomisQC]

Good idea...but I can't loose the bike for the 2 weeks or so it will take for the parts to get here (in Canada)...

Most of my oil has already drained throughout the night so I will need to replace it anyways...

Is it ok if the bike sits empty of oil for a couple of days ? (while I order the replacement gasket)

Thanks !

[txbanditrydr]

No need to drain the oil if it's what I call the signal generator cover (right side).  There will be a small quantity of oil in there when you pull that cover (less than 1 ounce) so be prepared with a rag.  You'll need to RTV or similar to daub on the surface where the case is split... not much though, just a light smear will do it.

[NomisQC]

It's on the left side and if you check my previous post, the oil has already drained through the leak...

[txbanditrydr]

Ah... the left side, eh - guess I would have called that the starter gear cover for some reason.  Anyway - when you pull the cover I'll bet you find this.......



You'll still need a daub of RTV where the cases are split.

It'll be fine to let the bike sit without oil - just don't forget and crank it over...   

[NomisQC]

According to the manual... it finally is the starter clutch...

I did replace the gasket and it was in a similar condition as the one shown on your pic....torn at the bottom...

Can you please explain what you mean by RTV ?

Thanks !

[txbanditrydr]

According to the manual... the Signal Generator IS on the left....that was what I was refering to as the "Magneto" cause a mechanic called it that yesterday...

Maybe as you are looking at the bike from the front...      -  or perhaps the Canadian version is bassackwards..

I did replace the gasket and it was in a similar condition as the one shown on your pic....torn at the bottom...

That is a starter gear cover gasket in the picture..

Can you please explain what you mean by RTV ?

Basically it's a silicone based sealant - comes in many different grades and styles.  The stuff I use is black and doesn't show up if it oozes out.  You might see it branded as Permatex Gasket Maker or similar.  Anyhow, you put a little bit on the sealing surface where the engine cases are split - about 1/2" [50mm] above and below this point and on both sides.  There's a picture of the exact location in the factory manual but I don't have that handy to scan.

Edit:  Had this post working until the server messed up - I see you solved the issue...   

[NomisQC]

Yeah...I realised my mistake and fixed my post but then the server got all strange !

Here is the complete procedure, for future references:

[NomisQC]

I did apply motobond at the specified location...just didn't know the term RTV... thanks !   

I did not replace the washer (as suggested by the manual) though...you think it's going to be an issue ?

Finally, is that a common problem of the Bandito ? (you were quick to provide the damaged gasket picture )

Thanks !   

[txbanditrydr]

I did not replace the washer though...you think it's going to be an issue ?

Nope... no issue at all.

Finally, is that a common problem of the Bandito ? (you were quick to provide the damaged gasket picture )

Well... I've read about that gasket failing anywhere from 20K miles to 50K miles - then it happened to me on a road trip.  Or I should say just the reverse - it happened then I read about it.  Apparently, there's quite a bit of turbulance in that area that causes the gasket failure - thank goodness it's a cheap fix.  I now carry as small tube of "motobond" in the tail bag just in case - that would have made my trip a lot less messy.

OH.. BTW - good scan of the manual and procedure - that's what I was going to hunt up later.

[asskickinpeanuts]

In a pinch, you don't HAVE to drain the oil (although I personally would).  IF the bike can be tilted enough to the right, the oil will not drain out when the cover is removed.  Again, I would drain the oil.  But there IS an alternative.  YMMV