Oil Leak

I have a pretty nasty oil leak that just started within this last week. I can't see where it is dripping from but it is dripping directly on the the front sprocket and chain. It also making it's way down to exhaust...

My questions are:

Does the 84' 500 have a self oiling system for the chain?

What seals are located in the area that would be leaking?

I changed the oil about 300 miles ago to synthetic, is it possible that caused the problem?

If the leak continues and I keep adding oil to keep it at level, technically I shouldn't cause harm to anything correct?

There is no dipstick attached to the filler cap for oil, I'm assuming I'm missing something?



Thanks in advance!

 

The biggest issue with oil dripping on the exhaust is fire.
Fire is bad.

 

I agree, fire is bad! :tongue:

Most of it is hitting the sprocket/chain, there is very little on the exhaust.

 

Like Jason said, it could be a mixed blessing. I've 'heard' the switching oil will cause this.

Robert

 

Yeah, an oil leak is almost as bad as a fire caused by said oil leak. You really don't want that stuff finding it's way to the rear tire.

The drain plug fell out of my '82 XS400 on the highway, and completely slicked the rear tire on me once. My gaurdian angel was on the lookout for me that day...

 

First off, thank you. I'll try to get pics up tonight after I get home from work.

I used Amsoil 10-40 and a Honda filter. I can't really see were the leak is coming from, but it is dripping directly on the front sprocket.

If I switch back to dino oil, would it possibly reseal the leak, or is the damage done already?

 

Could be the clutch pushrod seal. Remove the slave cylinder and examine the seal. Look for oil residue on the slave clyinder piston - a dead giveaway!

 

Here some pics... They are the best I can get since the leak is hidden.

 

I second (possibly third) Alaskan's idea. Take off the slave cylinder, there will be a silver rod that runs all the way through the cylinder block. There's a rubber seal where it meets the engine block. My seal just gave out, but mine was from my chain breaking and bending that rod.

Check out my pictures in this thread - http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/17581-chain-snapped-how-bad.html - and see if matches up with yours or not. A new rubber seal is like $2. If that's your problem I'll be glad to update on ease of removal/installation once I get mine in.

 

Thanks for all the info...

It doesn't actually look like oil is coming out, it seems more like sludge. It's really thick and sticky, not the consistency of oil.

 

Do you know where your crankcase breather hose is?

 

Nope... What you thinking?

 

Looks like oil mixed with moisture. If your breather hose fell off, that stuff could just be dripping from the port where it attached.

 

I'm thinking what Drewl said...

 

Can you guys show me where it's at?

I have a Clymer manual but I can't seem to find it.

 

Here's a picture of the airbox assy where the breather eventually ends up. Another question, is it possible that you've over filled your crankcase with oil?
That would cause your engine to pump it out the breather hose.

 

Sorry, forgot the link:

http://www.ronniesmailorder.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

 

Here's another good picture: http://www.ronniesmailorder.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

This can help show you what you have back there.