Oil Seepage...any idea what the problem might be?

[bostonlawman2003]

Hi guys, I noticed this for the first time late last summer on the left side of the motor, cleaned it up without really investigating it, and kind of forgot about it because I hadn't noticed any change in performance or mileage or oil level.

 

Yesterday when changing the rear shock I had the bike on the lift at eye level and noticed it again. This time it was on both sides instead of just the left side like last year. Again, haven't noticed any change in oil level or performance of the bike. Any ideas offhand where this might be coming from or where I should start looking?

 

I'm a very novice mechanic, but have gained a lot of confidence doing most of my own work with the help of this forum. I'm hoping we can figure this out and not to have to take it to someone else to work on. I hate the idea of some one else wrenching on my bike, I just don't have any faith in anyone.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[rougeray]

I'd say it's a good chance it's the valve cover gasket. Mine started leaking around the time for the second valve clearance check. Soooooim guessing around 50,000 miles.

[bostonlawman2003]

I'd say it's a good chance it's the valve cover gasket. Mine started leaking around the time for the second valve clearance check. Soooooim guessing around 50,000 miles.

 

She's got just under 35,000 miles on her. Any thoughts on how scary will it be for a novice to try and change the valve cover gasket?

 

Thanks for the reply

[k9cottage]

it might be the sump is overfilled and it is coming out the air filter box

[MikeWa]

The first thing I would do is make sure the valve cover bolts are snug.

 

Mike

[videoarizona]

but gently. Torque is low maybe 14lbs??? (don't trust my memory..look it up.)

[bostonlawman2003]

Thanks guys, I'll look up the torque settings then check the bolts.....with my history though I'll be SHOCKED if it's as easy as this!! LoL

 

 

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[Ace]

If the valve covers need to be replaced it is not for a novice. There is a ton of stuff that needs to come apart/come off to get those covers off.

[Yammer Dan]

Be very carefull with those bolts. They are shoulder bolts and snap without a warning. Torque on them is very low I'm thinking.

[Mover]

I noticed the same issue this past fall on my 07 RSV and it has just over 80,000 kms (50,000 mi).

[bostonlawman2003]

I noticed the same issue this past fall on my 07 RSV and it has just over 80,000 kms (50,000 mi).

 

Did you find a solution Mover?? I haven't had a chance to dig into it yet.

[Mover]

Did you find a solution Mover?? I haven't had a chance to dig into it yet.

I did check the bolts for the valve covers as some had suggested but they were tight so no solution yet.