Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: CapitalGoose on November 02, 2015, 08:58:36 AM
-
Mornin' ladies 'n' gents,
So my brand new V7ii has an oil leak. I couldn't believe the little spots on the driveway were oil, at least not from MY Lucy, right? Then I remembered she's Italian...
Just had the 600 mile service done a few weeks ago. No leak prior to the service, definitely a leak now. I haven't done the whole "talc on the pan" trick to see where the oil is coming from yet. Is this a warranty issue or is it a dealer mechanic messing up issue? In other words, should I find the leak then spend my hard earned $$ fixing it OR should I take it back to the dealer and have them undo what (potentially) may have gone wrong during the post break-in service?
Thoughts?
Cheers,
Crash
-
I would take it back to the dealer. Could be the oil filter cover or drain plugs. I would bet on it being an error on the part of the mechanic.
Thanks John!
-
Before you do that, take a look underneath the bike. It could really be from an over filled sump blowing out the airbox, or something minor.
And, although it is not relevant here, remember that joke played on other riders. You would stop for coffee, and while everyone is inside someone would pour a little oil underneath a guy's bike.
Point it out later, and he'd be horrified.
-
Before you do that, take a look underneath the bike. It could really be from an over filled sump blowing out the airbox, or something minor.
And, although it is not relevant here, remember that joke played on other riders. You would stop for coffee, and while everyone is inside someone would pour a little oil underneath a guy's bike.
Point it out later, and he'd be horrified.
HD's and Limeys weren't actually leaking then ? Dang , and after all these years ... :laugh:
Dusty
-
Why jump to the conclusion the dealer is the cause? Finding the source should take just a little effort on your part, then go from there.
Maybe your V7 doesn't like being called Lucy and referred to as "she".
Just be sure to report it as a leak or drip and not a tinkle. :wink:
-
Why jump to the conclusion the dealer is the cause? Finding the source should take just a little effort on your part, then go from there.
Maybe your V7 doesn't like being called Lucy and referred to as "she".
Just be sure to report it as a leak or drip and not a tinkle. :wink:
Well considering I haven't brought a wrench anywhere near the bike yet, the dealer did the service, and it wasn't leaking beforehand...
OTOH it could just as easily have been something else. Not saying that the dealer is "in the wrong" but SOMETHING has changed!
I was just asking you folks as a first line of attack. I'll clean her up and find out where its leaking from prior to taking her back to the dealer to get looked at.
-
Before you do that, take a look underneath the bike. It could really be from an over filled sump blowing out the airbox, or something minor.
And, although it is not relevant here, remember that joke played on other riders. You would stop for coffee, and while everyone is inside someone would pour a little oil underneath a guy's bike.
Point it out later, and he'd be horrified.
Interesting... didn't know about this. But does this mean there'll be oil IN the airbox? :shocked:
-
Tech may have spilled a bit. Also, the washer for the dipstick needs to be correctly seated or it'll weep oil.
I know firsthand! Easy to check.
-
Tech may have spilled a bit. Also, the washer for the dipstick needs to be correctly seated or it'll weep oil.
I know firsthand! Easy to check.
Thought about that. Wiped up excess oil and went for a ride. Still had a few drips after the ride. This could have been that there was more oil spilled that just warmed up during the ride and dripped down (without actually having a leak) I don't know.
I need to do a good thorough check when I get home!
Thanks for all the advice y'all!
I'm especially intrigued about the overfilled sump point.
Crash
-
Check your dipstick after a ride. See where the oil level is at.
-
Where does the oil fall from?
If it is underneath from about where the motor meets the bell housing it could mean either a leak from the engine main seal or the gearbox main seal. Next thing then would be, is it engine oil or gearbox oil? On the five speed box at least there is a small slot in the bell housing to let oil out if it finds it's way in there. A paper towel placed underneath it over night will let you see if it is coloured engine oil or let you sniff if is acrid smelling EP gearbox oil.
Either way, it is the dealers responsibility under warranty. Just helps if you know what it is yourself.
-
Thought about that. Wiped up excess oil and went for a ride. Still had a few drips after the ride. This could have been that there was more oil spilled that just warmed up during the ride and dripped down (without actually having a leak) I don't know.
No, that almost never is the case.
Check it out and let us know what IS leaking now.
Hopefully just something silly/simple.
BTW, what dealer did you take it to for service, please don't tell us Speeds.
-
Hi guys,
So I STILL haven't checked thoroughly (I don't get home until well after dark so I think my uber thorough check will have to wait until the weekend. Until then, I'm just not going to ride).
Service was at LaMoto in Arlington. I think these guys are pretty good at what they do. Also, this is the first bike I've owned. I'm pretty good with cars, but I'm just not sure as to what to expect with the bike. SO this may be something minor, like just a bit too much oil that's escaping (somehow, I still don't get this part).
I checked the bike last night. I wiped everything down after my last ride and there didn't seem to be any additional oil on the bottom of the pan like before or any additional drips. I don't see any oil on the heads themselves. Really only past the dipstick and on the bottom left of the sump. Doesn't appear to be coming from the drain plugs either...
I think that perhaps its only leaking/coming out somehow when I'm riding (i.e. when the engine/oil is warm or shaking/moving). Unless it has miraculously healed itself or (somehow) gotten rid of the excess oil, I'm at a loss.
I checked the dipstick and the oil level looks OK. Admittedly though, the bike was on its sidestand, so probably not super accurate. I hate waiting until there is enough light for me to do a more thorough examination, but unfortunately with the end of daylight savings time, I just can't make it back to VA from B'more early enough!
-
Ah, I take it you're not riding it to work then.
No biggie, wait for the weekend, and you'll figure it out.
I really don't think it is overfilling.
Probably something simple.
-
If you have the invoice for the 1'st service check to see if there are 3 drain plug bolt gaskets listed. We use GU01528930 for all drain plug gaskets because they do not leak. Uou should also find a oil filter bolt gasket GU12154200. We do not change the o-rings for the dipstick or oil filter unless thay have been deformed in some fashion.
Walt
-
If you have the invoice for the 1'st service check to see if there are 3 drain plug bolt gaskets listed. We use GU01528930 for all drain plug gaskets because they do not leak. Uou should also find a oil filter bolt gasket GU12154200. We do not change the o-rings for the dipstick or oil filter unless thay have been deformed in some fashion.
Walt
Thanks Walter! I'll check it when I get home.
-
UPDATE,
Seems that the plug gaskets were changed. Thanks for the heads up Walter.
BUT the leak is coming from the seam b/w the transmission and the engine (not trans. oil, but engine oil). Probably a gasket. Took her in, the service guy (Dan) said the same thing. Looks like Muzz is the winner for guessing the source! :bow:
Kinda bummed that I have no bike for a while :cry:
BUT the weather has been pretty crappy, so maybe its for the better.
FYI Alex, is no longer at LaMoto (apparently he got a gig in Germany).
Thanks again, gents, for the advice.
-
Probably a gasket.
Eeks! If it is truly coming from there, it about has to be a rear main seal. Highly unlikely on a new bike, but......
-
Eeks! If it is truly coming from there, it about has to be a rear main seal. Highly unlikely on a new bike, but......
Yeah I know! I guess these things happen though. Perhaps not enough time warming up...
-
You guys sure it's not leaking higher up and just finding its way down to that point to drip?
-
You guys sure it's not leaking higher up and just finding its way down to that point to drip?
No sir, not sure at all (on my part, can't speak for the tech). What you've suggested may, in fact be the case, but it's leaking from somewhere and the drip was right at the seam.
They've got the bike now. I'll call later today and see if I can't get a diagnosis...
-
Fingers crossed.
-
Yeah I know! I guess these things happen though. Perhaps not enough time warming up...
[/b]
Naa, shouldn't affect a seal. I still have my doubts about that main seal leaking.. especially since it just started when the bike was serviced. :evil:
Where it's "leaking" is just the low point on the bell housing. About any leak from above will drip there.
-
HAHAHAHAAAA!
Well... first: I'm an idiot.
Got a call from the dealer, "After a long and arduous build, we've determined that the washer on the dipstick was torn and replaced it. Your bike's ready [you imbecile] for pickup"
Thanks for the
Fingers crossed.
That's probably what did it.
Sheesh. Color me embarrassed.
-
Not at all. Color yourself fortunate. Not sure if yours is the same as my V7 Classic, but my dipstick had a tendency to loosen and spin off on its own. Make sure yours is snugged appropriately.
-
A simple thing to check for if it happens again. How does a rubber washer on the dipstick get torn?
More likely, torn when it left the factory and the dipstick was put in tightly, next service not as much resulting in the drips. How many people look at that washer to check unless they have a drip?
-
UPDATE,
BUT the leak is coming from the seam b/w the transmission and the engine (not trans. oil, but engine oil). Probably a gasket. Took her in, the service guy (Dan) said the same thing. Looks like Muzz is the winner for guessing the source! :bow:
Pleased to hear it is just the dipstick O ring! :thumb: Oil leaks can be hard to source sometimes, especially when the oil is clean. The joint between the motor and the bell housing does not have a gasket as it does not need to seal anything. Engine oil from there would be the rear oil seal on the on the crankshaft. Bet the dealer was happy it was just the O ring!
I had the oil leak on the Breva under warranty, in my case it was the main seal on the gearbox.
I carry a pair of pipe tongs in my tool kit to snug up the dipstick. Had mine pop out while on a motorway. Suddenly realised I had the dreaded slippery boot syndrome. Fortunately found a piece of foam right where I pulled up so I stuffed that in the hole. Keep an eye on it. There have been various other solutions posted on WG to stop it coming undone, it has been known to happen before.
-
Glad it worked out for you.
:laugh:
-
A simple thing to check for if it happens again. How does a rubber washer on the dipstick get torn?
More likely, torn when it left the factory and the dipstick was put in tightly, next service not as much resulting in the drips. How many people look at that washer to check unless they have a drip?
The O-ring on the Smallblock dipstick is poorly designed. Instead of sitting in a groove that is perpendicular to the shaft of the stick it is parallel (basically hanging under the head of the stick). It allows the o-ring to drop out of position sometimes when you install the dipstick and it can tear as you thread it.
The real danger is if it drops off completely and you don't notice it, or it is completely out of position, then the stick can loosen in service and people have lost the dipsticks.
So anyone who has checked the oil could have torn the gasket. Of course if the dealer was the last person then yeah, they either did it or missed it.
-
HAHAHAHAAAA!
Well... first: I'm an idiot.
Got a call from the dealer, "After a long and arduous build, we've determined that the washer on the dipstick was torn and replaced it. Your bike's ready [you imbecile] for pickup"
Thanks for the
That's probably what did it.
"
Sheesh. Color me embarrassed.
Glad you found it!
Back in the 80's when I was traveling crossed country on a 1984 Guzzi V65 I happened into the Seattle Guzzi shop, and asked about an oil leak. I'll never forget what they said- " a little oil can make a big mess.
I'm really glad it was such an easy fix !
-
A couple times I've had that dipstick o-ring fall right off the dipstick while checking the oil. Other times it has shifted around while screwing in/out. So, I have been very careful to check that o-ring every time I pull the stick. It seems to be a poor design.
Steve.
-
Steve, a dab of grease really helps keep it in place.
I'll never forget what they said- " a little oil can make a big mess.
That's a really good point. Ever see a drop of oil in water... It can spread and spread.
-
Not at all. Color yourself fortunate. Not sure if yours is the same as my V7 Classic, but my dipstick had a tendency to loosen and spin off on its own. Make sure yours is snugged appropriately.
Geez. Yet another thing not fixed in years. My 2004 Breva 750's dipstick loosened three times. The first two times it crapped oil all over my left leg and the left side of the bike, but I was able to tighten it up. The third time...it jumped ship! Fortunately, Tom Farley's quick thinking helped me get home:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/22/30073241_3f381018a6_o.jpg)
(I've posted this to the forum before)
-
^ That's a great temporary fix. Classic!
-
Geez. Yet another thing not fixed in years. My 2004 Breva 750's dipstick loosened three times. The first two times it crapped oil all over my left leg and the left side of the bike, but I was able to tighten it up. The third time...it jumped ship! Fortunately, Tom Farley's quick thinking helped me get home:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/22/30073241_3f381018a6_o.jpg)
(I've posted this to the forum before)
Ok, so you've seen my sponge and upped it one stick. :grin:
-
I post this whenever the "disappearing dipstick" topic comes up. Buy one of these and don't worry about it. Easier to read oil level, And finger tight works!
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=121220339329&globalID=EBAY-US
-
Dab o' grease, I can do that. Thanks, Kev.
That temp gauge dip stick is pretty nifty, Cam. I'm leary of sending 60 bucks to Taiwan, and then also having a "no returns" policy. Any domestic sellers that stand behind the sale?
Steve.
-
Dab o' grease, I can do that. Thanks, Kev.
That temp gauge dip stick is pretty nifty, Cam. I'm leary of sending 60 bucks to Taiwan, and then also having a "no returns" policy. Any domestic sellers that stand behind the sale?
Steve.
(http://www.mgcycle.com/images/atrex/70030rr66.jpg)
-
Ah-ha. Thanks, Chuck.
Steve.
-
I wire my dipstick in place (top two photos).
Know of another rider that drilled a hole, and pins it in (bottom photo).
One less thing to worry about now.
(http://s4.postimage.org/foecvqjo/dipstick_003.jpg)
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/27846112/sn/9614629/name/dipstick2.jpg)
(http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/27846112/sn/997385154/name/Tom+Farley's+mod2.jpg)
-
That Taiwan ebay seller is legit. I wouldn't hesitate to make a purchase. I ordered one of those from him-no issues with the purchase and the quality seems good. I haven't read about anyone else having problems either.
That was the only version I could find that read in F. Last I looked the MG one was Celsius only. No big deal, I guess, but I prefer F. The best part about the dipstick how easy it is to get it nice and tight using gloved fingers. Never had a problem with it coming loose.
-
I post this whenever the "disappearing dipstick" topic comes up. Buy one of these and don't worry about it. Easier to read oil level, And finger tight works!
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=121220339329&globalID=EBAY-US
As far as the Celsius one goes, seller has listed as "no longer available".
-
Dab o' grease, I can do that. Thanks, Kev.
That temp gauge dip stick is pretty nifty, Cam. I'm leary of sending 60 bucks to Taiwan, and then also having a "no returns" policy. Any domestic sellers that stand behind the sale?
Steve.
No problem buying from this seller. Think I had it in a week. Only gripe is whatever liquid they used under the glass has slowly evaporated. Doesn't seem to affect the reading, and seller confirmed it will not. I wanted a stick with that read "F", not "C". I compared the oil "low" and "high" marks with the stock stick. Exactly the same, to include the overall length. :thumb:
-
You guys need one (or two) of these:
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5557d199e4b01769086d12b7/5557d6e9e4b009369bbc588b/5557d728e4b0d497d6e7d3ed/1432112937455/web.JPG?format=500w) (http://fin-design.com)
A little pricey for what they are, but the fit is perfect and they work VERY well.
NICE! I'm ordering one now (Fin-design, correct?)
After a weekend of riding, no leaks. I guess it was the dipstick.
I'm going to keep an eye on it just in case. Yes, it was the dealer who looked at it last. They didn't give me any issues. They replaced the whole dipstick, washer included, and had me on my way.
Thanks again, gents!
-
I post this whenever the "disappearing dipstick" topic comes up. Buy one of these and don't worry about it. Easier to read oil level, And finger tight works!
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=121220339329&globalID=EBAY-US
$60 for a dipstick! my suspenders just snapped involuntarily!
-
$60 for a dipstick! my suspenders just snapped involuntarily!
Yeah, but it's for a dipstick that will tell you that your engine is running hotter than you want it to. :cool: :boozing: I'd rather be blissfully unaware..
-
Yeah, but it's for a dipstick that will tell you that your engine is running hotter than you want it to. :cool: :boozing: I'd rather be blissfully unaware..
I'm with you on that Chuck. I know they run hot. Not knowing just HOW hot is good with me. :rolleyes: One good side effect is that (so far) there is no problem with mayonnaise.
-
I'm with you on that Chuck. I know they run hot. Not knowing just HOW hot is good with me. :rolleyes: One good side effect is that (so far) there is no problem with mayonnaise.
I was with you on this. Right up until mayonnaise.
Perhaps a newbie question, but what the heck is "mayonnaise" a euphemism for? :huh:
-
I was with you on this. Right up until mayonnaise.
Perhaps a newbie question, but what the heck is "mayonnaise" a euphemism for? :huh:
Emulsified Oil.
Happens on some air-cooled motors (if they are OVER COOLED) and not brought up to a hot enough temperature on a regular basis to purge all moisture formed from condensation (heat cycles of the motor).
Basically an over-cooled motor run too short at a time in the winter could start to form this mayonnaise-like emulsified oil internally that could damage things.
I've seen it on one Harley that was incredibly abused with repeated short (read like 2-3 mile) trips in winter.
I've seen it on the inside valve covers of my old Jackal in winter (though ironically once I found it I changed some variable and it never happened again).
And I believe some big block owners in EU and AU have suffered some damage from it.
No smallblocks that I've heard of though.
-
Emulsified Oil.
Ah, interesting. Thanks Kev.
-
The real danger is if it drops off completely and you don't notice it, or it is completely out of position, then the stick can loosen in service and people have lost the dipsticks.
This happened to me with my V7R. It made a helluva mess of the bike, my right leg and boot. I also ended up calling my wife for a tow.
Knowing how log it can take to get Guzzi parts that aren't service items like filters, I looked around my garage to find what might fit.
It turns out a Honda CB175 dipstick fits and is the right length. I still haven't gotten a replacement from MG. I might just get one of those temp-gauge ones.