Tiny Dribble from Gearbox Drain

[ThreeDawg]

This is irritating. I noticed yesterday that there is a tiny dribble of oil coming from the gearbox oil drain plug. I am on tour, but managed to borrow a 1/4" drive socket to try to nip it up - got maybe 1/32 of a turn, but it's still leaking.

I will try to find a 3/8 drive socket today, but should I try to nip it up further, or maybe lay the bike down somewhere and replace the sealing washer. Don't want to damage the thread or gearbox case...

Just when you think you have thought of all the tools you need.

 

[Thejoybringer]

This is irritating. I noticed yesterday that there is a tiny dribble of oil coming from the gearbox oil drain plug. I am on tour, but managed to borrow a 1/4" drive socket to try to nip it up - got maybe 1/32 of a turn, but it's still leaking.

I will try to find a 3/8 drive socket today, but should I try to nip it up further, or maybe lay the bike down somewhere and replace the sealing washer. Don't want to damage the thread or gearbox case...

Just when you think you have thought of all the tools you need.

I personally would monitor it closely rather than trying to tighten it up further. Then replace the sealing washer when an opportunity arises. I would be concerned about over tightening the plug and possibly cracking the gearbox casing! It looks like other guys on here have had look using PTFE on the threads.

 

[davegs]

Don’ keep tightening it or you will strip the thread and then have a real leak. M Fit two sealing washers might help but clean the joint face first, 1/4 drive should be enough to do the job one washer to be of the fibre type.

 

[Wrigsby1]

I've had the same and just monitored it with the odd clean... It's a case of a little looking like a lot with oil and the best thing is keep an eye on the level hole instead to save undue stress...

 

[squibb34]

Wise words - don't over tighten.

I've had success in the past by loosening a weeping sump plug slightly, say half a turn, then nipping it back up again.

However, when on tour I would probably opt to leave well alone & monitor, provided the leak isn't sufficient to risk contaminating the rear tyre.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Cheers for the replies! I will keep an eye on it - have stuffed a paper napkin in there this morning to give me an idea of how much is leaking, and I think I will put in a new washer once I get hold of a socket - not so easy in the middle of the Pyrenees.

 

[Thejoybringer]

Cheers for the replies! I will keep an eye on it - have stuffed a paper napkin in there this morning to give me an idea of how much is leaking, and I think I will put in a new washer once I get hold of a socket - not so easy in the middle of the Pyrenees.

It’s always amazing how a few drips of oil can pool and look a lot. Like previously mentioned, keep a close eye on the oil level ensure the drip its not getting worse.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Copper washers should be easy enough to find - I'd do as you suggest, tip the bike over and address the washer without losing any oil. I'd have thought a 1/4" drive would suffice, if the washer solution is good enough .

 

[ThreeDawg]

Have washers, but need a socket - the 1/4 inch ones belonged to the bloke that owned the last hotel.

 

[MotoRevive]

If you're on a trip. Don't tempt it further. Assuming you're just on holiday. It could just have an overused sealing washer. Or you may have a stripped thread.

Just wipe it off every stop and keep the level topped up. Any 70,80 or 90 gear oil will do if you can't get the right grade.

If you remove it now, you may never seal it again without engineering work.

 

[Thejoybringer]

If you're on a trip. Don't tempt it further. Assuming you're just on holiday. It could just have an overused sealing washer. Or you may have a stripped thread.

Just wipe it off every stop and keep the level topped up. Any 70,80 or 90 gear oil will do if you can't get the right grade.

If you remove it now, you may never seal it again without engineering work.

Great response

 

[ThreeDawg]

If you're on a trip. Don't tempt it further. Assuming you're just on holiday. It could just have an overused sealing washer. Or you may have a stripped thread.

Just wipe it off every stop and keep the level topped up. Any 70,80 or 90 gear oil will do if you can't get the right grade.

If you remove it now, you may never seal it again without engineering work.

It's irritating as I have changed the oil dozens of times with no problems, and I am in Spain and Portugal for 7 weeks. This is all good advice though - I will play it safe!

 

[Wrigsby1]

It's irritating as I have changed the oil dozens of times with no problems, and I am in Spain and Portugal for 7 weeks. This is all good advice though - I will play it safe!

Like I said, I had the same for a few k miles due to a sealing washer issue... It looks worse than it probably is and what you've done to monitor it is best ... There's no pressure in the box so it shouldn't get worse...

 

[MotoRevive]

It's irritating as I have changed the oil dozens of times with no problems, and I am in Spain and Portugal for 7 weeks. This is all good advice though - I will play it safe!

Did you change the washer ?

Aluminium is better.

Copper works okay but it's harder and doesn't seal as well without more torque.

No bikes use copper washers anymore. Unless they're on big 24mm drains etc.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Always change the washer, always aluminium. No idea what is different this time.

 

[MotoRevive]

Always change the washer, always aluminium. No idea what is different this time.

This is my job. All I bloody do is drain and refill oil

It's extremely rare, but you can get bad washers.

It could be that you picked up some grit on the flat surfaces or maybe some grit in your threads.

If you have done your own changes and you are certain that the threads on the bevel drive are good then maybe it worth the risk of winding it out, cleaning everything and starting again. Especially if you have seven weeks on the road ahead.

But unless you know the history of your bike and the condition of your threads, there is always a risk...

You have an old bike. Threads don't last forever. Just one over enthusiastic yank with a wrench can do catastrophic damage to threads. That sometimes don't show up until 2-3 oil changes later.

If you do chose to address the problem, it's probably best to take it to an independent shop.

One who has the ability to fit a helicoil or timesert if shit goes wrong !!

Or............

If you're feeling really brave. Give it another 1/8 turn.

Worst case scenario... You plug it with a chemical metal or a wine cork. I've seen it done !!