Question about an oil leak

[Spyderjockey]

I have had my 2008 GS since April 8, 2008 with around 95,500 miles on it and never had an oil leak before. I noticed though a week or so ago that I have a rather large oil spot under the right hand side as you sit on the bike right under the motor, about a foot or so in diameter. I have had it put up for the winter since November and have a battery tender on the battery and it is in my unheated garage. We have had a very cold winter this year with many days down near 0 or below. I don't see why the temp. would have any bearing on the oil leak.....just wondered what you fine people think?

 

[Chupaca]

Hard to say..!!

if just sitting up you really need to remove bottom panels wipe the bottom down and see if you can trace to where it is coming from. Maybe the cold has damaged some seal or o ring causing the leak....:dontknow:

 

[Cruzr Joe]

if just sitting up you really need to remove bottom panels wipe the bottom down and see if you can trace to where it is coming from. Maybe the cold has damaged some seal or o ring causing the leak....:dontknow:

:agree:

Cruzr Joe

 

[NancysToy]

Check the oil pressure sending unit. Frequent source of leaks on the right hand side. Beyond that it is a matter of cleaning evrything (perhaps many times) riding a bit, stripping the bodywork and searching for the leak. Remember that a small oil leak, especially high up, can seep and run a long way before puddling and dripping below. A leaking valve cover gasket can look like a host of other sources...and can show up far from the actual leak.

 

[finless]

95,000 miles! I am impressed 2008 or otherwise! I am hoping I go that far or farther. So you give me great news!

I hope you find the leak and all is good.

May I ask please. Did you do some of your own service or dealer every time?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Spyderjockey]

if just sitting up you really need to remove bottom panels wipe the bottom down and see if you can trace to where it is coming from. Maybe the cold has damaged some seal or o ring causing the leak....:dontknow:

I guess what surprises me the most is that the leak has appeared without the motor running. I plan on doing that as soon as it warms up a little. Tonight it is only 6 degs. and still supposed to be really cold for at least a couple more days before it warms up to around the low 20s. We still have a good 7 to 8 weeks of cold weather to look forward to.:banghead:

 

[Spyderjockey]

Check the oil pressure sending unit. Frequent source of leaks on the right hand side. Beyond that it is a matter of cleaning evrything (perhaps many times) riding a bit, stripping the bodywork and searching for the leak. Remember that a small oil leak, especially high up, can seep and run a long way before puddling and dripping below. A leaking valve cover gasket can look like a host of other sources...and can show up far from the actual leak.

Ya Scotty, I agree that it could be coming from many places and thanks for the hint about the oil pressure sending unit. I was hoping that some one could give me a sense of what it could be from that side of the motor. Can't wait to be able to get riding again but maybe I'll be able to discover the source of the leak before that. Thanks again.

 

[Spyderjockey]

95,000 miles! I am impressed 2008 or otherwise! I am hoping I go that far or farther. So you give me great news!

I hope you find the leak and all is good.

May I ask please. Did you do some of your own service or dealer every time?

Thanks,
Bob

I do almost all of the work on the bike, including all of the oil changes and greasing the front A arms. I have changed the pillows on the A arms also. I have installed all of the farkles myself but any major work was done at the dealer which has been very little. It has been a great machine and have really enjoyed riding it. I know at some point I will have to decide to trade or sell it but, I really hate to see that day come.....it has become part of the family. I know that sounds crazy!pps:

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

My 2013 RTS leaked oil from the oil pressure switch right from new. That would be the first plce I would look, might not be the case here though.

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Jim,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having an issue with that beauty... :shocked:
Question: your garage is unheated; yes?
Given the cold temperatures...
Could the antifreeze have thrown in the towel, and froze-up the engine? :yikes:
That might just move things around enough, for the oil to look for an escape route...
(And I'm sincerely PRAYING that I'm wrong! ray

 

[Spyderjockey]

Hi Jim,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having an issue with that beauty... :shocked:
Question: your garage is unheated; yes?
Given the cold temperatures...
Could the antifreeze have thrown in the towel, and froze-up the engine? :yikes:
That might just move things around enough, for the oil to look for an escape route...
(And I'm sincerely PRAYING that I'm wrong! ray

Hi Bob,
I'm sure it isn't that. I put new antifreeze in it last spring when my coolant tank went bad. Also my garage is an attached garage and even though it isn't heated, it is always 15 to 20 degs. warmer than the outside temps.

 

[wyliec]

Jim,

By chance you aren't running anything in the vent tube line like a catch can or filter, are you? Long story short, a big leak on floor after parking in the garage in cold weather. I thought that was strange because after riding there was no leak and also a short time later there wasn't anything on the floor. My leak was from blowing the bottom seal on the rear cylinder. I have reason to believe it was the filter I installed in the vent tube line.

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Bob,
I'm sure it isn't that. I put new antifreeze in it last spring when my coolant tank went bad. Also my garage is an attached garage and even though it isn't heated, it is always 15 to 20 degs. warmer than the outside temps.

:2thumbs: GREAT news! My Nephew the mechanic; mentioned that O-rings don't like cold weather... :shocked:

 

[wyliec]

Jim,

Did you ever find the source of the leak?

 

[Spyderjockey]

Jim,

Did you ever find the source of the leak?

Not yet Ron, I probably will have to wait 'till the weather warms up enough to get out and ride it some. Some people have said that maybe with the colder weather this year that some of the seals have shrunk up and maybe when I get it out to ride it they will return to normal:dontknow:. I really question that theory though. I checked the oil pressure switch and that seems fine the leak is somewhere above that. I'll probably have to get it to the dealer to find out for sure. Thanks for asking, Ron.