Engine Oil Leak

Joined
Jul 8, 2008
Messages
186
Location
Vernon BC, Canada
Bike
2007 ST1300
STOC #
8025
On the ride back from NatSToc I noticed that the RH cover over the spark plug wires and oil filler was wet with oil. I pulled the cover off and there was a fair amount of oil on the ridge below the oil filler. I checked the cap and it was tight and the "o" ring was in good condition.

I'm guessing it has to come from the oil cap but it would take a fair amount of pressure to push oil past the "o" ring.

Has anyone else had this problem?

The oil hadn't run down the engine and there are no drips on my garage floor. The oil level is the exact level as when I left for NatSToc. it was a 3000 mile round trip.

I'm hoping its not a valve pressurizing the engine and blowing out the filler cap. Last valve check was 30000 miles ago.
 

Byron

Moderator
Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
2,312
Location
KY
STOC #
6091
Maybe it is a sign that it's time for a check, valve jobs can be expensive if you burn an exhaust valve.
 

Highrider

Part time mechanic
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
870
Age
68
Location
Barlett, Illinois
Bike
2005 ST1300
STOC #
5560
It doesn't sound like your loosing much oil, that may make it difficult to diagnose the source. Before you do the valve lash check, it would be valuable information to have a compression test done on the cylinders, then a leak down check. If the exhaust charge is pressurizing the engine block, it would most likely be thru a valve stem or the piston rings. Neither could be indicated by checking the valves.
 

970mike

Mike Brown
Site Supporter
Joined
May 6, 2008
Messages
6,167
Age
66
Location
Lompoc, California
Bike
07 & 12 ST1300A
SPOT
LINK
STOC #
8057
Take a look at your valve cover gasket as that sounds like the rubber liner under the tank is stuck inside there causing the leak.
 
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