| Author | Message | ||
     Svmotoman |
A couple of oil leaks developed after first couple of rides with my new (to me) '02 S3T. Dealership giving me these numbers... Stator plug oil leak $250 Rock box gasket replacements (front cylinder oil leak, I presume you just do both at the same time) $500 What do you think? typical? Is there any labor saving by doing both at same time, or are they not related enough to matter? ...and no I do not tool, so don't even suggest it. | ||
| Yo_barry |
Rocker Box Gaskets ~ $40 Time to replace ~ 1 hr @ $90/hr Even if it took 2 hours, that's $220. Sounds like the dealer doesn't want to work on Buells... Have you thought about tooling?  | ||
| Ratbuell |
The stator plug is in the primary case, completely unrelated to the rocker boxes. If you decide to do one, then the other later, just prioritize - what's leaking more? My guess is, you can get the rocker boxes done first (pressurized oil flow through the engine), clean off and dab some silicone on the stator plug and tough that one out for a while (primary is splash-lubed, not pressurized). By no means an "official" recommendation...but a budget is a budget, right? I'd have to look at The Book, but depending on the shop rate at this dealer, that *may* just be a quote out of the labor guide. Either that, or it's a base gasket replacement. Doing both rockerboxes makes sense - there's a MUCH better set of gaskets now than what's probably in the bike...and Murphy's Law seems to have been written for tuber rockerboxes. Do one, the other will leak within a week. Do both, you'll be fine. | ||
| Returded |
forget the dollar i mean dealer find a reputable indy shop, had mine done at 65PHR 1.5 hrs to do both rockers boxes, just done 2 weeks back | ||
| Svmotoman |
I think it's leaking from between lower rocker cover and cylinder head (if I have my terms right), does that make a big difference in the job? Looks like more to take take off and a couple more gaskets to replace... (Message edited by svmotoman on October 22, 2008) | ||
| Akbuell |
First, get a factory service manual, and get to know it. Yo-barry is very much in the ballpark w/his figures. The service manual will detail the steps involved in any procedure, and you can get an idea of how much time is involved in doing a job. As to doing your own work, if you can run a torque wrench, you can work on a tuber. Or find a friend who can help. And don't be afraid to check the knowledge vault and ask here for help. Lots of experience available. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Take your bike to the car wash and degrease it completely then take a good look for where the oil is really coming from ,maybe use some talcum powder to show it better. My guess is rocker boxes as they will get oil everywhere from the blowing wind while riding. Alt plug a very distant second and as said it is not under pressure. Find a shop that can do Sportsters and you are good to go. | ||
| Spiderman |
Looks like they are replacing the stator in that quote! I would say F-em and do it yourself, Rocker box is an easy fix and a quick way to fix the stator plug leak, that is if it isn't the Starter gasket Without removing anything, you can gently pry out the plug. Put RTV sealant on the plug's surface that engages the case and let dry and cure for 24 hrs and you will be good to go... | ||
| Chasespeed |
I tell you what... You find me a nice dry warm place to do the job, and I will help you out. I am in Western Mass.. My little bro lives in Manchester.. I have all the tools needed to do this, and can do it in a day. If you want a hand, or, whatever, lemme know. just PM me through here. Chase | ||
| Svmotoman |
Actually the quote probably does include the stator. From what I have read the plug is not a replaceable part, it's part of the stator wiring so you have to buy the entire unit. But lots of articles saying to just pull the plug, if it doesn't crumble, apply some black silicon, and reinsert it.... all depends on how much dry rot it has I guess. Incredible offer Chase, thanks... let's see where I get with the stealership. Hey nice colors on your X1... looks familiar :-)  | ||
| Dirt |
I think it's leaking from between lower rocker cover and cylinder head (if I have my terms right), does that make a big difference in the job? I just replaced the front rocker gaskets on my S3T this past weekend. Once the top cover is off, it only takes a few additional minutes to remove the lower. Don't see where that would add to the cost of labor. The two gaskets between the lower cover and the cylinder head is where your leak is. The original gaskets were made of paper, but the newer type is a single metal gasket. Nice bike. Mine is the same year, same color scheme. | ||
| Svmotoman |
Indy shop seems more in line with what you guys said, and they were honest about the stator: Parts for the rocker boxes are: 37.95 [Includes steel rocker base gaskets] Labor for rockers-both 195.00 The stator plug leak is tough to figure without disassembly. The “plug” is also the stator itself @ $123.00. If the plug looks OK we can silicone it and reinstall. I’ll quote you “worst case”. You can deduct the $123.00 if we reuse your stator. Parts 153.94 Labor for stator plug leak 130.00 Our labor rate is $65.00/hour. I think the dealership just lost my business... but I could see if they will match it... but then might as well give work to the little guy. Hmm... (Message edited by svmotoman on October 22, 2008) |
