Commando 961 oil leak

[cbritton]

A week or so ago I noticed a mist of oil on the top fin of the cylinder head at the front behind the oil cooler. On saturday I rode over to my mates, 20 miles away and arrived with quite a bit of oil all over the bike including the rear tyre. I decided not to ride the bike home and used Norton recovery via the RAC to recover the bike back to Krazy Horse.
I’ve just heard they have fixed the leak, it was a split gasket under the domed valve cover on top of the cylinder head. The important thing to know (all you 961 owners) is that Norton have a modified gasket which Krazy Horse have fitted. I’ve advised my mate to get this done on his 961LE.
If you spot misting on the top of the engine don’t ignore it, get the gasket changed.
Cheers, Colin

 

[richh]

I get a bit on the RHS frame rail / my boot.

I feel it completes the British bike look, to have a drip or two under the bike.

If there's no oil under em, there's no oil in em.

 

[jonnie comet]

Norton Recovery for an oil leak. They would have been bloody busy had they been operating in the 60s/70s -

 

[cbritton]

I get a bit on the RHS frame rail / my boot.

I feel it completes the British bike look, to have a drip or two under the bike.

If there's no oil under em, there's no oil in em.

I’d get that checked. Mine got worse very quickly. Perhaps it’s only the silver ones !!

 

[squibb34]

This always makes me wonder whether the engine breather is functioning correctly.

I understand these now run a 270 crank, rather than 360, with the engine breathing into the oil tank, which in turn vents into the airbox.

 

[GSite]

Is that something a dealer would change as a prevetative measure rather than wait for a leak, probably not unless Norton recommend it. Will ask Krazy Horse when booking in for the first year service.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Is that something a dealer would change as a prevetative measure rather than wait for a leak, probably not unless Norton recommend it.

Unless it’s a widespread issue (and it might be) I doubt they would change it as a precaution. And, change it for what, an identical part?

 

[cbritton]

Unless it’s a widespread issue (and it might be) I doubt they would change it as a precaution. And, change it for what, an identical part?

There is an improved gasket.

 

[squibb34]

Having alluded to this in post #5, I'm still struggling with the idea that a revised gasket is the solution, but I'm not clear about the age/mileage of the OP's 961.

Here is a thread from the marque forum ......... https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/unraveling-the-961-part-two-oil-in-the-air-box.27345/

 

[cbritton]

Having alluded to this in post #5, I'm still struggling with the idea that a revised gasket is the solution, but I'm not clear about the age/mileage of the OP's 961.

Here is a thread from the marque forum ......... https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/unraveling-the-961-part-two-oil-in-the-air-box.27345/

Bike has done 1500 miles.

 

[cbritton]

Norton back with me now following the gasket fix and yearly service. Will certainly keep an eye out for any oil misting in future or oily smell.

 

[richh]

Mines leaking a little bit.

Just a thought. I wander if I ring recovery and then get them to service it at the same time?

Anyone done that? Lol

 

[cbritton]

Mines leaking a little bit.

Just a thought. I wander if I ring recovery and then get them to service it at the same time?

Anyone done that? Lol
View attachment 505888

I did have to pay for the service !

 

[richh]

Oh yeah. But it saves me at least the trip there is my thinking.

 

[richh]

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