Fuel overflow

[KevRG]

I've got a 79 XS1100. Somehow the carbs are overflowing and fuel is getting into the oil and then leaking out of a drain plug located below the ignition on the bottom left side of the engine. I read about it possibly being leaky petcocks, but my concern is why it's coming out that drain plug? I've looked all over through my repair manual and online and I can't find out what that plug is for. Help!

[CatatonicBug]

If you have fuel leaks on a Special, you have 3 problems.
1. Leaky Petcocks
2. Leaky Octy (the funny fuel valve atop the engine, on the left side, under the carbs
3. Leaky carbs/stuck floats

Add to that, the possibility of leaky fuel lines.

All 3 of those things are there to stop the fuel. If fuel is getting through, all 3 are not functioning and need to be repaired. If fuel is in the oil, DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE!! The fuel will wash out the bearings and trash the engine. The fuel will mix with the oil, and would not be visible as a separate substance, leaking out the side of the engine. If you are getting clear fuel out the side, it is running over the outer surface and simply collecting there for you to find it.

[KevRG]

Cool, thank you. Hopefully it's not screwed already. It is mixed with the oil.

[CatatonicBug]

Cool, thank you. Hopefully it's not screwed already. It is mixed with the oil.

Then you have an oil leak too.

Not exactly sure where you are referring to with your oil leak, but it may be the galley plug under the timing cover. I believe it has an o-ring on it that just might need to be replaced. Also check that the leak is not coming from inside the timing cover. The crank seal (behind the timing mechanism) can spring a leak as well.