Oil leak location?

[Johnnydrama]

Hi all

Any thoughts on where I can pinpoint to would be welcome.

A few weeks ago I noticed oil level was quite low, now when topping up I may or may not have over filled it. The leak could have been there before or after, I honestly couldnt say!

Anyway, it doesnt smell too bad so probably not gear oil and my clutch seems to be performing ok.

It seems to be above the starter motor but on both sides although more on the left side, and towards the back of the engine. It comes down the centre back of the block and onto the bash plate.

Im giving it a few hrs today so any idea where i can aim for let me know! Some pics attached of how high it seems to be.

Could it be the worst case of engine/clutch/gearbox seal or just a seal somewhere else?

Thanks folks
Wes

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[GORILA]

Try your left cylinder camchain tensioner. It most probably just needs tightening up a bit!

 

[Ian J Hartley]

So you think it’s engine oil, and coming from the rear of the engine.

If you can’t find anywhere obvious that it might be coming from, then removing the starter motor and having a good look inside might help determine the source.

My money is on either the balance shaft oil seal, or more likely the crankshaft oil seal.

I hope I’m wrong.

I’m guessing the bike is a 1200 Twin cam, post 2010…..

 

[Johnnydrama]

So you think it’s engine oil, and coming from the rear of the engine.

Yes, quite highish i think, and onl6 evident when under pressure as in, driven


If you can’t find anywhere obvious that it might be coming from, then removing the starter motor and having a good look inside might help determine the source.

Ill try that thanks

My money is on either the balance shaft oil seal, or more likely the crankshaft oil seal.

I hope I’m wrong.

Oops, why is that?

I’m guessing the bike is a 1200 Twin cam, post 2010…..yes its a 2012 triple black gsa tc!



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[Ian J Hartley]

Because, if it is the rear crankshaft or rear balance shaft oil seal, you will have to split the bike in order to replace them.

Not difficult job to do, I’ve done it 3 times in the past 3 years because of failed rear crank shaft oil seals. Original seal, and Two replacements. The original seal failed at 18k miles, I have no reason to believe it wasn’t the original fitted at manufacture. But I bought the bike at 15k miles so don’t know. The Two replacements were not sourced from the manufacturer but Motorworks. So I believe they were just poor quality. It now has a BMW supplied oil seal and judging by the fitment is a better quality seal at a reasonable price.

So If it is the rear crank shaft oil seal, and you tackle the job yourself, then source your replacement seal from BMW.

 

[Johnnydrama]

Appreciate that thank you, but i fear if so its beyond my limited capability

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[Johnnydrama]

Just as a small update i removed the air filter and their was quite a good amount of oil in the areas I could reach

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[landmarkjohn]

I had a leak on my 2008 GS a few weeks ago. It was the oil temperature sensor (I'm fairly sure this is the right name) and is located on top of the engine, front right. I got a good 1/4 turn on it to snug it up. The oil was pooling on the top of the engine and finding it's way around and then looked bad if left on side stand after a spin. Had to take off the tank to see it and tighten up. Seemed to be a bit of corrosion going on after the winter salt.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Just as a small update i removed the air filter and their was quite a good amount of oil in the areas I could reach

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That’s to be expected. The crank case breather pipe on the left cylinder feeds into the airbox so that the oil vapour from the engine lubrication system can get burnt. But a lot of it condenses and settles in the base of the air box.

 

[Whitey]

I'd second trying the Cam Chain Tensioner. I had a similar leak on my TC a while back and someone kindly posted this link: https://pistonjunky.com/r1200gsa-mod...ain-tensioner/

I did as the writer of the blog did and nipped up the Cam Chain tensioner on the left and leak was cured. Only 1/8 - 1/4 turn but it did the job. It appears to be a known issue.

 

[Johnnydrama]

So to update: i got into the airbox and scrubbed id out, there was a good bit of oil in there or at least more than there should have been.

I then degreased washed, carb cleaned then washed the whole engine block. After a few days there doesnt seem to be any oil finding its way to the bashplate.
Hiya, did you send that yet by any chance?
Seems like it was a dum dum case of over filling a cold engine

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