oil leak - front of engine

[scribestone]

Noobstone here again.

My '81 XS11 is dripping oil from this "part" on the front of it's engine casing. It is located at the center of the case and looks like it a spigot or a cable housing or some freaking thing. I don't have a repair manual yet and the owner guide is woefully silent on this part of the bike. I looked for a detailed diagram on the site but didn't find anything that helped (nudge nudge wink wink - hint to the Lords of site)

EDIT NOTE: A friend of mine says it might be the timing chain adjuster?

Anyone wanna help noobie out?

Semper Fi,
Scribe

[scribestone]

Ok so on further investigation I learned that this is the Cam Chain adjuster. Nice to know it's not a thingee anymore.

It looks like it is leaking out the "nose" of this thingee. How do I get it to stop?

[scribestone]

ADMINISTRATOR: Please delete this thread as I have shown my ignorance too much. I finally found the Tech Tip that addresses this issue. Duh........ Rubber plug in the nose and replace the gasket.

Thanks guys.

[Pat Kelly]

Just a note:
I thought mine was leaking too. Replaced the plug but it was still leaking. Replaced the gasket, still leaked. Turned out to be the head gasket at the galley that the cam chain lives in. It only leaked as oil ran down the inside of the engine. A coat of RTV silicone on the outside of the engine has stopped the leak (2 years now) until I replace the head gasket. The head gasket is still good around the cylinders, compression is fine.

[scribestone]

Pat,
Thanks for the insight. I'll start with the plug and work my way up. I thought it was my head gasket at first and stopped riding the bike for fear of further blowing it out and leaving me stranded on the roadside. I've missed some great riding weather dangit!
Silly me.

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by scribestone
ADMINISTRATOR: Please delete this thread as I have shown my ignorance too much. I finally found the Tech Tip that addresses this issue.

Nope, you don't get off that easy!

As time goes on you will gain immense knowledge and insight. You will begin to exercise your new guru status and give freely of your massive skills back to the newbies of that time. This will cause your head to swell. Then, we will bring back this thread, and the swelling will disappear!

See, we're actually doing you a favor by keeping this thread!

[webbcraft2150]

You ain't hear nuthin yet!!! What till Prom reads it. Prepare to be verbally battered, folded, spindled and mutilated.

[scribestone]

I shall brace myself properly over the saddle...