Oil Leak - Behind Oil Pan

[Mike K]

2004 ST1300A with 112,000km. There appears to be a small Oil Leak at the back of the oil pan. Not sure if it is leaking between the oil pan and the block, the joint immediately behind the oil pan, or ? Hopefully the attached pictures "explain" it better.

Anyone had a similar issue and if so what was the problem?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[W0QNX]

It looks like oil for sure. First step would be clean it to like new and find where it's leaking. That oil can run from clear up above and fool everyone.

I can't offhand remember any oil pan leaks. Shifter shaft seal is known to leak but you got more than that it appears.

 

[Oldbikefixr]

It looks like oil for sure. First step would be clean it to like new and find where it's leaking. That oil can run from clear up above and fool everyone.

I can't offhand remember any oil pan leaks. Shifter shaft seal is known to leak but you got more than that it appears.

This is the reason I look under the plastic a time or two each year. It looks cool but hides developing issues. That and accumulating grime bothers me.
The most frequent oil leak I have seen is from an improperly reinstalled valve cover gasket. But, I would want to clean it up as well and verify where the leak is.

 

[RichKat]

I need to pull my oil pan and reseal it, I had a run in with a curb (don't ask) and have had a very small leak ever since

 

[Al st1100]

I need to pull my oil pan and reseal it, I had a run in with a curb (don't ask) and have had a very small leak ever since

look for cracks

 

[970mike]

I would bet you that that oil leak is coming from the output shaft seal at the top and running down there. I had the same oil leak and that is what I found. It is not a bad job to pull the drive line and swing arm to replace the seal.

 

[RichKat]

look for cracks

I see where it is, left side from the joining seam, very minor but it does build up if I don't clean it often, just an annoyance

 

[dduelin]

Clean and monitor for the origin of a weep or a seep. No impending disaster in those pictures.

 

[Gus1300]

I too scared to take pics that close up of my bike! Hope you find the source after some of that gunk is gone; I can't remove most of the grime on my bike, it's the only thing holding it together at this point!

 

[Mike K]

Thanks to all for your comments! I'll clean it up and monitor as suggested.

Stay Safe!
Mike

 

[SupraSabre]

There are several areas it could be leaking from, and I would be really surprised if it's actually from the oil pan.