1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.
Bike Talk Motorcycle Forum is For Sale Welcome to Bike Talk

Another oil leak question

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by harley_z, Apr 7, 2005.

  1. harley_z

    harley_z New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2004
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have a 1991 XLH 1200. I recently changed to synthetic oil and am now noticing some oil dripping off the swingarm. I'm trying to find where this leak is coming from, with no luck :confused: . Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.
    harley_z, Apr 7, 2005
    #1
  3. fatboyvtwin

    fatboyvtwin New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2004
    Messages:
    111
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Rock Springs, Wyoming
    The easiest way to track down a leak is to thoroughly clean the whole area under and on top of the swing arm. I have always used contact cleaner with the fine red tip to get intense and accurate flow. When the area is cleaned, "spotless" start the bike and let it idle till the motor oil gets hot. Check under the bike for the leak, if there is no leak then take the bike around the block, then park it to see if there is any oil seepage. If that doesn't work try to take it a couple of miles and then stop to check under the bike. Some leaks may take a few hours of the bike off and sitting to surface. As far as you going to synthetic oil, be aware that synth oil is not as heavy as regular motor oil and on that older of a bike may have found an area to leak out of a seal. Ride Safe, David.
    fatboyvtwin, Apr 7, 2005
    #2
  4. shaymus

    shaymus New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2005
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    In my experieces, you can't have any leak's withsynthetic oil.Whether motorcycle or car.
    shaymus, Apr 15, 2005
    #3
  5. Tumshie

    Tumshie New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2005
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    oil leak

    I would look at the oil tank breather or one of the tank lines.
    Tumshie, Apr 15, 2005
    #4
  6. voodoo1

    voodoo1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    525
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Ohio
    chances are

    when you switched to syn it now is "weeping out" when warmed the metal is expanded and more vulnerable to weeping ..... "real" oil builds up/around in the gaskets/seals so to speak and helps plug any small intolerances along with the gasket. the syn will go right on thru now that ya switched to...seen it over and over when people have switched.(as mentioned above) .. the more the metal has heated and cooled causes the tolerances to vary more than the current gasket can handle..no more real oil build-up anymore.... whammo here comes the weeping.(so to speak)
    voodoo1, Apr 16, 2005
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    A bit more, what happens is the dyno oil can only clean contaminants so much, then it begins to leave deposits, some will form where you have a gasket leak and will plug the leak.

    Over time with use the synthetic has better cleaning agents and lasts longer so it cleans out the area the dyno oil left the crud in. So you get a leak.

    Now that may not be the reason, syns' don't cause leaks they can find them though.

    Check all the connections make sure nothing is loose anywhere, it could be a loose hose or cracked hose somewhere.

    Changing back to dyno wont help if you really have a leak.
    hotroadking, Apr 19, 2005
    #6
  8. hdotis69

    hdotis69 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2004
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    In past experience ive noticed sportster oil tanks leak around one of the welds.
    hdotis69, Apr 24, 2005
    #7

Share This Page

XenPorta © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM