Where is the oil coming from?

[Windmill John]

1VJ
Hi All,
During the week, I noticed a puddle under the bike after a short ride.
After replacing the clutch cable today, I notice the oil had puddled in the plate under the starter model, ie just under the end of the clutch cable.
I went for a short ride, 16 miles, and when back, noticed puddle again under bike and puddle under clutch cable.
Oil pretty clean, but where is the most likely source?
I'm hoping you can say.... Oh that's from..... I cannot see it running down the oil feed from bottom of tank to engine, but I might be wrong.
Any pointers?
Cheers
John

[kevingrahambutler]

Clean oil off then toss some talc on the bottom of engine that will show where the oil is coming from

[Mezo]

Check see if the airbox has oil inside? you may have put to much oil in the engine & its breathing in to the box.

Mezo.

[Windmill John]

It's times like this Mezo I should stay quiet.....

Considering how many years I've done my own servicing and had Honda traillie singles where I know the sequence of testing oil level, the Tenere fooled me possibly ...

Last week, I fitted a new clutch, also fully drained oil tank. The book says 2.1 litre of oil. I put about 2 litres in and tank was about half full. Bled the hose, started bike, checked bleed nipple, all good; tank still very low.

So…. I thought if I put a bit more in but still leave the tank half empty, if there is too much in the engine, there is still space in the tank for expansion…….

Ermmmm, whilst I don't know if this is the issue, I do know there is about 3 litres in the bike!!!

I think I've fallen into a beginners trap!

Of course I don't know if this is the issue, he says, trying to dig himself out of a hole!

[Mezo]

Sounds like your problem (its a common mistake) after putting in the two litres you should go for a ride & warm it up, then check your oil with the bike in an upright position (not on side stand).

Mezo.

[Windmill John]

Thanks Mezo.
Thanks Graham also for your comment.

[Windmill John]

Thanks again Mezo. The other day I warmed it up in the spot; no good that.
Just got back from a ride, gear off, bike upright, oil tank cap off........ I then get a call from OPEC asking me if I wanted to sell them some oil

I drained a bit off, feel better now.

[Windmill John]

Just an update.
Still got oil beneath the starter motor, enough to puddle on the ground after a ride.

Top of starter motor is dry, vent pipes from air box dry. In other words not overflow!

No worries, I'll enjoy Summer and then get the engine out later in the year.

[xtrider]

Look closely at the seal where the clutch lever shaft come up through the case. Especially if the bearings are getting bad , the shaft moves side to side more and is hard on the seal.

That seal goes out and leaks more oil than a person would think.





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[Windmill John]

Thanks for that xtrider. The fact it pools there makes me think you must be on the right track.
As it was in the shed for three weeks when I got it whilst I fitted a clutch, ignition switch etc. I do want to ride for a bit, but will check that out.
Just off the top of your head, as the only bolts that need helicoiling can be done with engine in frame and the kick start issue the same, can this bearing be done in frame or is it engine out?