Which oil leak(s) do I have? And should I care?

[Firebird]

Bike is Nov 05 and has done 20K.

I can't remember when I last cleaned it, so the muck you can see has built up over at least 8 - 12 months and probably around 3K miles. Have done the last couple of services myself and don't have any extended warranty etc.

There are never any oil drips on the garage floor.

Looking at the pic below I'm guessing I have the engine / gearbox seal weep. Given that this is up to a year to get this much dust stuck to it I'm guessing that there's little to worry about.

There is also (what looks like) a leak from the rubber cover that (I assume) covers the universal joint on the output shaft and drive shaft. If I remember correctly the drive shaft is sealed for life so if this is leaking I'm worried?? Or is it more likely to be oil seeping past a seal on the output shaft?

Here's a view from the other side. Looks a lot worse here, but some of the crud stuck here may be stuck to some ACF50 that I applied once upon a time.

Perhaps if I cleaned it more I'd know where the leaks were. But given that none of them is even big enough to leave a drip on the floor should I care?

Helicopters are so much simpler - if they're not leaking they've run out!!

 

[Engineer]

Bike is Nov 05 and has done 20K.

I can't remember when I last cleaned it, so the muck you can see has built up over at least 8 - 12 months and probably around 3K miles. Have done the last couple of services myself and don't have any extended warranty etc.

There are never any oil drips on the garage floor.

Looking at the pic below I'm guessing I have the engine / gearbox seal weep. Given that this is up to a year to get this much dust stuck to it I'm guessing that there's little to worry about.

There is also (what looks like) a leak from the rubber cover that (I assume) covers the universal joint on the output shaft and drive shaft. If I remember correctly the drive shaft is sealed for life so if this is leaking I'm worried?? Or is it more likely to be oil seeping past a seal on the output shaft?

Here's a view from the other side. Looks a lot worse here, but some of the crud stuck here may be stuck to some ACF50 that I applied once upon a time.

Perhaps if I cleaned it more I'd know where the leaks were. But given that none of them is even big enough to leave a drip on the floor should I care?

Helicopters are so much simpler - if they're not leaking they've run out!!

Engine/Gearbox leaks happen at the junction of the Engine and Geabox casings - you dont show a picture of that bit - this looks like all gearbox seals, but I am no expert. However if the gearbox input seals are leaking then the oil could get onto your clutch and wreck it.

P.S. suggest you give it a good clean and see what develops.

 

[Aggy]

Well at least you won't have problems with the frame rusting

 

[RickG]

If there's oil inside the rubber boot then the seal on the output shaft bearing is failing. This can be fixed from the outside (so no need to take engine out). Should you be worried? Only if the gearbox runs dry, so keep an eye on the amount you are losing bearing in mind the leak will only get worse, not better.

 

[Snoopy]

Wait till I post a picture of mine ...