Oil Leak on left side of the bike

[Mat B]

Hi chaps,


I noticed a small leak on the left side of my VTR1000 (1997, 19000 miles, Oil, Oil Filter, AIr filter and new gasket for the generator cover done when I bought it monthes ago).
The leak started few monthes ago with few drops. Since the level of oil was high I thought it was because of two much oil. But since one week the leak is getting worse and I can see oil drops on the floor where I park my bike.
I removed the tank I were not able to spot the leak but I am sure it comes from the upper part of the engine since I found oil outside the tank on the left edge below it.



Have you ever experimented this kind of issue? Any idea what problem it could be?

Thanks for your help,

Mathieu

[Steve97]

Rear cam cover/rocker box ?

[sirch345]

As Steve suggests check the rear cam cover gasket, it's not that hard for it not to have been seated correctly if the cam cover had been off. Also there is meant to be oil seals under each of the four bolts that hold the cam cover in place, I would check that first,

Chris.

[tony.mon]

The oil breather that goes from the front rocker box cover isn't properly onto the stub under the airbox.

[Mat B]

Hi Guys,

Finally got a chance to check my bike since I am currently working far from my house.
It seems that it is the oil breather that it is not properly onto the stub under the airbox. There is indeed a pipe just on the right of the airbox connected to nothing which blows air when the engine is running and it seems that oil comes from here.

I will remove the airbox and see if it fits in it.

Thanks guys,

Cheers,
Mat

[Mat B]

Indeed it was the oil breather. Well done Tony.Mon.

I am riding like this since 6 months. I am worried about the impact on the engine since there was this free entry in my airbox.

Should I do anything apart from linking back the breather to my airbox?

Thanks guys.

[Wicky]

Check for hebernating squirrels/ doormice /nuts and other small furry animals...

[Mat B]

Ah ah ah... I guess I don't need to worry then!

[tony.mon]

No, the pressure from the breather is broadly positive and so all you get is oil vapour coming out ratehr then dirty gritty air going in.
However, as a precaution, an oil and filter change can't hurt.