Topic: Leak free engine...yea right!

[brandEn]

I feel your pain. I have been chasing an oil free bike for years...finally managed it on the K4 but the K2 810cc continues to elude me - sprocket seal is leaking after replacement and a tiny head leak from rebuilt engine 6000 miles later (not getting on the covers yet). As long as its not coating your wheels or your trousers then ride it! 

good luck!
Andy

I guess some motors are just determined to leak. Glad mine is not the only one.

[brandEn]

You can't call it vintage if it doesn't leak a bit of oil. Just ride the piss out of it and enjoy it. Backfire moto is coming this next wednesday, go have a blast.

True, and thanks for the heads up I forgot about that. May try to go.

[brandEn]

Good looking bike !!!.......Gary

Thanks!

[brandEn]

I know you know what you're doing as witnessed by your quality but.... U sure it's not the tach cable seal?

Bryce mentioned doctoring-up the gaskets. You have the frame kit so it's not all bad. Use one of the spray sealers like Copper Kote or whatever it's called. Not sure about Bryce's product. Unfamiliar. 

Maybe this is why mine is ALMOST done. Perhaps I wish to delay the inevitable 

Yea its not the tach seal. Not sure where its from. I have had the top end apart way to many times now. Next time is going to be either to part it out...(yea right) or if something breaks. That's my new train of thought. Ride it till it breaks then fix it.

[brandEn]

Only because I'm such a big hearted, warm & caring human being go ahead and give me your bike. I only do this to alleviate your stress level and certainly take no pleasure in it. Just doing my part to make this a better world...

Your a selfless person and I appreciate your offer but however I decline....

 

[BobbyR]

I am pretty convinced that with all of the expansion and contraction of the aluminum coupled with vibration will ultimately cause a leak somewhere.

[tlbranth]

For what it's worth: My head gasket used to let oil get out. After I regasketted (waaaaaay long ago for reasons I forget), I still had leaks. Not bad but leaks nevertheless. My bike then sat for a few years rusting and siezing. The siezing caused me to have to do another top-end job. I told the parts guy about the leaks and he told me it could be fixed with one of these new head gaskets with stickum on it. I believe it was a Honda gasket but wouldn't swear to it (long time ago). Anyway, the sticky gasket seemed to make quite a difference. Don't know if they're still available, surprised it worked - just passing it along.

[LoVel]

I hesitate to reply to this thread just because it seems like begging for trouble but I'll do it anyway.

Recently rebuilt the top end and used some gasket goo from an autoparts store.  No leaks yet but only have a coupla hundred miles on it.

Of course now the ignition switch is screwed up.  Just happened when I tried to ride her Monday.  Plan on cleaning the contacts this weekend.

[lrutt]

And to think, everyone used to rag on Harleys and Brit bikes for leaking oil.

Seems that for all bikes, it's not a matter of if but when.

[brandEn]

I hesitate to reply to this thread just because it seems like begging for trouble but I'll do it anyway.

Recently rebuilt the top end and used some gasket goo from an autoparts store.  No leaks yet but only have a coupla hundred miles on it.

Of course now the ignition switch is screwed up.  Just happened when I tried to ride her Monday.  Plan on cleaning the contacts this weekend.

Don't hesitate to reply, do what works for you!

[brandEn]

For what it's worth: My head gasket used to let oil get out. After I regasketted (waaaaaay long ago for reasons I forget), I still had leaks. Not bad but leaks nevertheless. My bike then sat for a few years rusting and siezing. The siezing caused me to have to do another top-end job. I told the parts guy about the leaks and he told me it could be fixed with one of these new head gaskets with stickum on it. I believe it was a Honda gasket but wouldn't swear to it (long time ago). Anyway, the sticky gasket seemed to make quite a difference. Don't know if they're still available, surprised it worked - just passing it along.

Never heard of those kind of gaskets. Interesting.

[brandEn]

I started this thread as a #$%* You letter to my bike but I like what it has turned into. I REALLY appreciate all the responses. I like hearing all the stories of other peoples leaking bikes and problems! Keep em comin!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Yeah, mine isn't leaking. I've only run it a few minutes so far - give it time 

[brandEn]

Yeah, mine isn't leaking. I've only run it a few minutes so far - give it time 

I hope it stays that way!!!!!!

[Dyrden]

I read every word of this thread and also your how to have a leak free engine thread.  Good stuff and entertaining.  Im putting my pistons, jugs and head back on in a few days and this will certainly stick with me.  At the end of the day I guess we should probably worry more when the oil stops leaking...

[Terry in Australia]

And to think, everyone used to rag on Harleys and Brit bikes for leaking oil.

Seems that for all bikes, it's not a matter of if but when.

Yeah, but the Harley and Brit bikes of the day leaked on the showroom floor. My local Suzuki dealership also sold Norton's "back in the day", and it was one of my "after school" jobs to wipe up the oil spots under the new Norton's so prospective buyers didn't notice. Only a few drops here and there mind, but still there. By contrast, the Suzuki's didn't leak a drop. Cheers, Terry.  

[Duanob]

BrandEn you have to realize these aren't new machines, they will leak a bit. Take it with a greain of salt and enjoy it for what it is. I would never call mine a daily rider but I do ride every other day, at least twice a week. I've been chasing oil leaks and when I change one gasket or seal another one starts to leak. Whatevs! Go ride it, that's what it's made for.

As far as ultra-gray, its great for water seal but its not heat or petroleum resistant. Permatex makes an orange sealant that is both. But for head gaskets I used their spray copper sealant and it seems to have fixed my leaks at the head gasket/ top end.

I'm still chasing leaks under the chain/sprocket cover. I've replaced the main shaft seal the shifter shaft seal but still have a drip. I have new the o-rings for the oil pump but it will wait for when its time to change the oil. In the garage I place a cloth underneath to catch the drippings until I can finally fix that drip.

Im not holding my breathe that this bike will ever be drip free But I still ride it as much as I can.

[BrettPPR]

BrandEn,
I am feeling yours, and my pain - on the same subject!
I have just finished this K3, and hit the road.



All was good till I got home and discovered the oil leak down the front of the motor!
After throwing around the talcum powder etc, it appears to be from well below the head gasket level, coming from between cylinders 2 & 3?
I have decided to keep riding it until the trouser leg gets starts to get oily!

[Terry in Australia]

BrandEn,
I am feeling yours, and my pain - on the same subject!
I have just finished this K3, and hit the road.



All was good till I got home and discovered the oil leak down the front of the motor!
After throwing around the talcum powder etc, it appears to be from well below the head gasket level, coming from between cylinders 2 & 3?
I have decided to keep riding it until the trouser leg gets starts to get oily!

That'll be leaking from the rubber pucks under the cam towers mate, it's common on CB750's. Cheers, Terry.

[brewsky]

Fresh head gasket and ring job several thousand miles ago and not a drop UNTIL I changed to semi-syn oil.......coincidence?

Or maybe it was the dyno runs???

Or maybe it's just getting old???

[lordmoonpie]

I understand your frustrations BrandEn - I finished building my "million pound" CR750 and then I see an oil spot building up on the floor! Can I find where the leak is!?

So I took it to the parade in the IOM this year and dicovered the bike is magic - it converted 4.5 litres (deep sump!) of semi-synth oil into 3 litres when drained, fully drained! That's a lot of oil leak but there are only a few spots under the bike.

So I've replaced all the under sump bolt sealing washers, yamabonded the gear shift lever cover and clutch cover, will shortly replace the generator cover (warped?) oil gallery seals....I'm determined to stop the darn thing leaking. Oh and just to add insult to injury, I fitted a fancy visible oil breather tank to condense any oil vapour coming out of the crank cases and guess what? Clean as a whistle, not a spec.....darn oil, it's so annoying I might try running without it next time 

[MRieck]

BrandEn you have to realize these aren't new machines, they will leak a bit. Take it with a greain of salt and enjoy it for what it is. I would never call mine a daily rider but I do ride every other day, at least twice a week. I've been chasing oil leaks and when I change one gasket or seal another one starts to leak. Whatevs! Go ride it, that's what it's made for.

As far as ultra-gray, its great for water seal but its not heat or petroleum resistant. Permatex makes an orange sealant that is both. But for head gaskets I used their spray copper sealant and it seems to have fixed my leaks at the head gasket/ top end.

I'm still chasing leaks under the chain/sprocket cover. I've replaced the main shaft seal the shifter shaft seal but still have a drip. I have new the o-rings for the oil pump but it will wait for when its time to change the oil. In the garage I place a cloth underneath to catch the drippings until I can finally fix that drip.

Im not holding my breathe that this bike will ever be drip free But I still ride it as much as I can.

 Be sure to place a couple of plastic sandwich corners over the splined shaft when putting the seal on. The splines are sharp and will cut the seal edge.