Leaking oil from the starter?

[CatatonicBug]

The hose has been cut, and the valve is actually a 90 deg. elbow, about 2" from the point where it connects to the case. Then, the hose runs vertical, up to the airbox. There isn't enough hose for me to just remove the valve, so I'll have to get a new one, and hope I can bend it into shape. Those twists are a bit tight for that large of a hose to make without being pre-formed! The way it's laying, I can definitely see how there may well be a puddle of oil in the valve, stopping it from working. I have about 26k miles on the bike, but a little blow-by over the life of the valve could definitely have messed it up. I'll start with a new hose first, then if it's still leaking past the starter, I'll look for a new o-ring.

I love this site! I learn stuff almost every day, without even trying!

[trbig]

Even if it doesn't reach the airbox, you can still just remove that hose and valve and go take it for a test ride to see if that helped.

BUT.. from what you're describing.. just make sure your "Valve" isn't just a coupler that connects two pieces of hose.

Tod

[CatatonicBug]

Well, it was definitely more than just a coupler. It was also filled with oil. I went and spent $1.49 on a new hose, and attached it to the case. Can't quite get in between the carbs to attach it to the airbox yet, but I stuck it up there in that area. I'll keep an eye on the oil leak (by looking at my shoes) for the next few days and see if that helped. All logic really points to this as the solution though. I'm optomistic!

[3Phase]

My vent hose has some kind of valve in it....

Nice troubleshooting!

So, hose is cheaper than o-rings? That's just wrong -- wrong! I tell you!


Regards,

Scott

[thewiz]

Besides usually being correct, Scott ..

You're also one very funny dude

[3Phase]

Usually Correct? Now that's a horse of a different color!

How's it going, Wiz? Most of what I've learned (might fill half a book... of matches) has been the hard way. Fortunately, a sense of humo(u)r has been acquired along the way!


Regards,

Scott

[CatatonicBug]

I think I have finally stopped the oil leak. I spent the money and bought the starter o-ring last week. Cleaned up the engine, gave the whole bike a bath, and even waxed it! I figured the oil would be GONE! No luck... The leak continued!

Thinking it might possibly be coming from some other location than the starter, I started watching VERY closely when I dismounted, to see if there was any other spot the oil was seeping from. Still, no luck... The only place I could see oil coming from was directly under the body of the starter. So, I removed the starter, cleaned all the surfaces with Brake Parts Cleaner, and added a ring of RTV on the outer-most edge of the starter, where it just touches the engine. Went on a ride today (highway speeds, to push oil through if possible) and my boots are still clean! No leaks!! So evidently, the o-ring just wasn't enough to stop the leak. Seems strange, since I don't hear of anyone else complaining of this, but maybe it's just my starter/engine combo.

At least I can sweep up the oil-dry in my driveway and no thave to worry about it anymore.

[thewiz]

I can sweep up the oil-dry in my driveway and no thave

And replace it with a drip pan ...

No ... just kiddin', Bug .. glad ya' got a handle on it too. I hate an oil leak!!

[DGXSER]

And replace it with a drip pan ...

At that point he may as well replace it with a 10 year old Hardly!!