Topic: oil leak - oil pump

[Shtonecb500]

Ive had this leak for a couple months now but its now getting worse very quickly. I woke up this morning and I have a huge spot, make a cup of oil or less... and it looks as though its coming from behind the clutch side cover, from the oil pump. Can I just swap out an entire oil pump or will I still be missing potential problem areas? My truck is down right now and any issues with this bike is now causing stress. I have extra 500 motors.

Should I try a swap or just order a kit - any recommendations for a kit?

[Bodi]

The oil pump and filter sit above the oil level in the sump and can't really leak a lot if not running... the filter can dribble out the cup or two of oil in it and the connected galleries which would make quite a mess, possibly that oil could drain back and out through the pump (and on the ground, except on a 750)? Either way you would have a nasty big leak while running.
How much oil do you estimate is in your puddle? More than a cup or two has to be leaking directly from the sump... dodgy drain plug or a crack.
- gasket goop shouldn't be required for the filter. The O-ring seals it nicely, did someone damage the case surface?
- I think the normal full oil level is below the oilpan/sump gasket surface as well, so sealing goop on that joint shouldn't be super necessary.

[Shtonecb500]

The leak is only bad after the bike has been out riding. I've seen oil leaking from the bottom of the oil pump before but I had just tried a new synthetic oil and assumed it was too thin, before that I thought the oil seal around the shift lever was leaking so I replaced that.

[Bodi]

Replace the oil pump O-rings first. You will need a JIS impact driver to get it off I think. I believe a member here sells O-ring kits.
You could super clean the area (solvent, soap and water, brake cleaner...) then ride a bit and maybe see where it actually comes from. Pop the cover, dusting around with cornstarch or baby powder shows any oily spots rather well but the metal must be squeaky clean before the test run.

[CycleRanger]

Check out this thread for o-ring info.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,63864