| Author | Message | ||
     Chrisp |
Just returned last Friday from a 3 week trip on the Uly from Maryland to the west coast and back. On the way out went up through Ontario, across the northern states on US 2 to Seattle, down 101 and 1 to the SF Bay area. Stayed there a week visiting friends and relatives and took in the MotoGP at Laguna Seca. Then started working homeward on an assortment of 2 lanes to Wyoming where I jumped on the slab in order to get home on schedule. Great trip. The bike never missed a beat on a variety of rode conditions, in extreme weather, and in elevations up to 9700 ft. Never a noticeable change in performance, carrying a full set of bags, gear, spares, and tools. Changed the oil and filter in SF after having added about 8 oz in 4100 miles. Averaged 50.3 mpg on the way out. Added about twice that much oil on the return trip which may be attributed to extreme heat and three days of higher speeds on the interstate. Averaged 49.3 mpg returning. . One problem did develop three days from home in South Dakota that has me scratching my head. Checking the oil level at a gas stop I noticed a slight oil leak that appeared to be the shock. The engine oil level was good, but there was a drop or two on the shock spring, and a small puddle at the base mount. This worsened as the day went on across SD and into IA, to the point where the swingarm, fender, and brake caliper were misted with oil. But the engine oil level remained good. Same symptoms the next day across IA, IL, and into IN where I was able to stop and check things out a little deeper at my brother’s house. At this point, I wasn’t so sure about the shock theory because there was so much oil. Still the engine oil level was OK – down some, but at the good level. I added about 4 oz. and cleaned everything up in order to try to find the source. Rode around a bit – to get tickets to next years MotoGP – and once again there was what appeared to be a slight leak coming from the shock. Semi confident the engine wasn’t leaking, I headed the 700 remaining miles home. Predictably, the situation worsened. By the time I reached home the entire rear end of the bike was covered with oil, from the fan back and the seat down, including the rim and tire. Still, the engine oil level was OK. I’ve taken the shock off, the airbox, and the fan out in order to see the rear cylinder area better, and there is no obvious source for this leak. The top of the shock looks like it is leaking, but then there is some - not much - evidence on the rear cylinder around the exhaust header of burnt oil. So I can’t rule out the engine completely. I think it’s the shock for a couple of reasons. Whether the engine or the shock, the source of the leak is up high and the fan is blowing the oil all over everything in back. The back of the fan and its shroud are covered and dripping with oil. And there is almost none on the engine side. If the engine was the source, it would have to be the valve cover or breather or something up that high, and there is no evidence of that. Plus the front side of the fan would be oily. Still, not 100% sure. I don’t know how much oil the shock holds or what it looks like as far as color or viscosity, but this looks like it could be engine oil. And I don’t know of a way to test the shock. My plan at this point is to have the shock rebuilt, put everything back together, and go from there. But anyone’s thoughts, comments, or experiences would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Dentguy |
chrisp... The transmission vent hose is there. Mine is strapped to the shock reservoir. You might have checked that already. Good luck. | ||
| Kc69xlch |
i think there are also breather hose that run back to that area. you may want to check those | ||
| New12r |
chrisp... The transmission vent hose is there. Mine is strapped to the shock reservoir. You might have checked that already. Good luck. That is the first place I would look. | ||
| Teeps |
Rocker box cover gasket or pcv valve on top of the rocker box? |
