I bought this bike only a couple of months ago, its a 2003 with 17,000 miles. It runs like a dream I'm so very pleased with it.
I've embarked upon a full service, just to satisfy myself that everything is up to scratch. I've done lots of work on my bikes over the years, mainly Hondas, but with some BMW and Ducati experience too.
I've found 2 issues so far, a minor weep/leak from the water pump pee hole (I've read those threads), and this one which is potentially a bit more of a problem.
This is on the left hand side, what appears at first glance to be an oil leak from the head gasket. I'm not completely sure yet if it's oil or coolant. As far as I can see, there's no water in the oil or vice versa. As you can see from the pics, it is quite minor and the leaked fluid does not run far down the engine, which makes me think it's more likely to be coolant which then evaporates. Having only recently bought the bike, I don't know how long it's been there.
Do any of you experienced ST owners have any advice for me? I think my options are
(i) Do nothing, its very minor - nothing to worry about
(ii) Torque down the head bolts
(iii) replace the head gasket
I can't see that it could be coming from anywhere else.
I keep reading that head gaskets on these bikes DON'T FAIL, could I be the first???
I'd be grateful for any wisdom that might come my way.
I've embarked upon a full service, just to satisfy myself that everything is up to scratch. I've done lots of work on my bikes over the years, mainly Hondas, but with some BMW and Ducati experience too.
I've found 2 issues so far, a minor weep/leak from the water pump pee hole (I've read those threads), and this one which is potentially a bit more of a problem.
This is on the left hand side, what appears at first glance to be an oil leak from the head gasket. I'm not completely sure yet if it's oil or coolant. As far as I can see, there's no water in the oil or vice versa. As you can see from the pics, it is quite minor and the leaked fluid does not run far down the engine, which makes me think it's more likely to be coolant which then evaporates. Having only recently bought the bike, I don't know how long it's been there.
Do any of you experienced ST owners have any advice for me? I think my options are
(i) Do nothing, its very minor - nothing to worry about
(ii) Torque down the head bolts
(iii) replace the head gasket
I can't see that it could be coming from anywhere else.
I keep reading that head gaskets on these bikes DON'T FAIL, could I be the first???
I'd be grateful for any wisdom that might come my way.
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