1981 900ss oil leak

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KUD1980
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2015 8:48 am

1981 900ss oil leak

Post by KUD1980 »

The bike, a 1981 900ss has an oil leak, oil collects on top of the left hand crankcase by the rear cylinder. It was first noticed on a rebuilt engine after about 20 miles. Initially we thought that it was a split cylinder base gasket, lifted the cylinder, the gasket looked OK. We reassembled the engine, took the bike for a run and the same happened again.

Circumstances meant we had to leave the bike for a few weeks but now want to get it sorted. We have just removed the two cap heads at the base of the rear cylinder that hold the crankcase together hoping oil might be finding its way out there. Bolts where dry.

Any ideas anyone?

John
Lumpy
SD900 Darmah
Posts: 329
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Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by Lumpy »

Only one way to sort oil leaks. Wipe `em squeeky clean, short rides and close examinations. Wind can make oil go in odd directions giving false clues. Always be certain of where it`s coming from before dis-assembly because once she`s in bits she does`nt leak any more and it`s even harder to find..........ask me how I know...........
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BevHevSteve
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Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by BevHevSteve »

Get squeaky clean and spray with foot powder, go for a short ride and you will see where the wet spot(s) area
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machten
MHR / S2
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Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by machten »

That's where oil lands if you have a leak from the oring between the head and the cylinder. Push some rag between the lowest head cooling fin and the highest cylinder cooling fin above where the oil is collecting and see if you have oil there.

Kev
KUD1980
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2015 8:48 am

Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by KUD1980 »

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I don't think its a head joint leak, there would be oil all over the cylinder. The pool of oil forms on the crankcase next to the bolt at the rear of the back cylinder. No evidence of the oil being blown around, it should be all over the rear carb area, it just sits there. Our first thought was a blocked oil way through the cylinder, cam is getting oil OK.

We will run the engine again soon and watch carefully, will try a dusting of chalk dust to see if that identifies the source.

John
900tlc
Mariana
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Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by 900tlc »

Could be lube coming from the clutch cable,just a thought. :doh:
KUD1980
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2015 8:48 am

Re: 1981 900ss oil leak

Post by KUD1980 »

No clutch cable, hydraulic operation with no pipework near the area.

John
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