Oil Leak

[R.Markus]

I know of a few ST1300 owners that had the oil that leaked from a oil plug up near the V of the engine. This plug apparently needs Hondabond around it to keep it from leaking.
I have read stories of shops keeping the bike for a long time unable to find the problem (not to mention repeated trips to the dealer to fix the problem they couldn't find).
The oil leak seems to come from the water pump and runs down the oil pan and all over the center stand.
I am having this problem now. The bike has had this leak since I got it. I've had it to my dealer once and he thought it was the oil pan gasket. It wasn't. I told him of this oil plug. He has the bike now for the recalls and new tires. He told me that a Honda rep is going to come and look at my bike and wants to know where this plug is located so he can show the rep.
I was hoping one of you could describe it to me or show me a picture of where it is.

[dannyk]

I remember reading some threads about it also, but don't remember where it was exactly, I think it was on top of the V towards the back of the engine, but I am sure someone will give you the right answer.

[R.Markus]

Thanks for the replies. I copied that thread and am taking it to the dealer. I was hoping someone had a pic of the plug so I could show him exactly where it is, but this will do.

[Pansmiker]

Not finding the oil leak at the first go is just down to poor workshop routine on part of the workshops visited.

Honda are somewhat at fault for the leak in the first place. Although our bikes are a mechanical item and things can go wrong. IMO the dealers are the real problem for not finding it first go.

Paul :biker:

[R.Markus]

Not finding the oil leak at the first go is just down to poor workshop routine on part of the workshops visited.

Honda are somewhat at fault for the leak in the first place. Although our bikes are a mechanical item and things can go wrong. IMO the dealers are the real problem for not finding it first go.

Paul :biker:

I disagree.This particular leak is hard to find. It looks like it comes down the front of the engine on the right side...from the water pump. It actually originates from the rear of the engine in the V. It's Honda Corperate's fault since the part that leaks isn't even on any parts diagram.

[R.Markus]

The Honda rep came on Tueday and confirmed that the leak is from the galley plug on the V of th engine. It was an easy fix since the bike was already torn down for the recalls. Contrary to what I read elsewhere, the engine did not have to come out for this. Should have the ST back soon.

[Bbingham]

My oil leak was around sight glass window of '03 ST1300. I ended up repairing it myself and had to also add new neutral switch because I tightened the electrical wire connector nut a bit too much and twisted off connector post. Anyway, I had to loosen headers (exhaust parts) to get to bolts on sight glass. Once new "O" ring gasket in groove of sight glass window and torqued to spects, no more leak. Mine for a while looked like what everyone else was getting with drips from this area. But while in service for recall, I had them check the "V" plug and there was no sign of leak. So mine was the from around sight glass. It's easy to fix with a little down time. Don't have to drain oil if you lean bike over on side stand. But if you pull neutral switch, watch out. Don't ask! So far the oil is staying inside!