clutch contamination

[HDL2001]

Hi!,
Some weeks ago I 've notice a tiny oil leak between the gear box and the engine on the left hand side of my 1150gs.
I wouldn't have bothered really but this w/e while I was travelling a BMW rider told me that could cause a clutch contamination and that the bill would be expensive if I didn't sort the seal quickly.
As it seems to be a hefty job, I'd like to know if anyone have experienced this sort of problems before?
Any advice?
The bike has 42k miles on the clock (if that helps)

 

[Colban]

If there is oil appearing between the engine and gearbox,you do have a leak problem,either from the engine crankshaft seal or gearbox input seal.
Either way,they will have to be parted and the failing seal replaced.
Not a quick job.If you take out the starter motor,you should be able to see into part of the clutch housing and if there is oil splattered around.
Is the clutch slipping and can you tell if it's engine oil or gear oil?.
Are you losing oil from anywhere?.
Might be a good idea to find a good independent mechanic who can look at it and give you a better idea.

 

[HDL2001]

Is the clutch slipping and can you tell if it's engine oil or gear oil?.
Are you losing oil from anywhere?.

Hi Colban,
The oil is black, that's all I can say.
How would gear oil look different to engine oil?
The bike isn't losing oil anywhere else, it just runs fine (had the 36k revision done two months ago), and the clutch doesn't slip at all (yet?!?...) i've been running for at least 1k since I noticed the leak.

 

[oblertone]

Engine oil ...

... tends to be darker than gear oil because of the burnt carbon deposits swimming about in it.

The value of this advice can go up or down depending on factors outside the authors control

 

[motobiker]

you're in London... I would get in touch with Steptoe and see if he can fit you in at some point or if not - point you in the right direction... and get this sorted as quickly as possible. A new clutch means a very nasty bill. assuming the clutch IS at risk of course.

 

[motobiker]

Left it too late to edit the above post... just wanted to add. This leak of yours could quite easily be of no real importance - ok its never nice having an oil leak (even a tiny one) but it could easily be something that you can live with for a fair amount of time. (until your budget allows a proper fix)

BUT - I would still get it looked at by an expert... if only to put your mind at rest.