SH has sprung a leak - oil pan or clutch related? help!
08-21-2007, 07:39 AM
#1
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
SH has sprung a leak - oil pan or clutch related? help!
Well, I looked under the SH and saw 2 or 3 drops of oil. So, I laid down ASAP and started peeking.
It seems as though there is oil on all of the bolts that hold the oil pan (?) on, perhaps.
So, I am a bit worried. I need to pull out the manual and find the drain bolt and see if thats where its coming from.
Only other thing I noticed is that my clutch fluid level (on left side handlebar) is at the lower level mark which worries me. Sometimes, my gears engage loudly and at high rpms shifts from 1st to second, I "grind".
I am not sure if this is related or not and if the leak is clutch fluid, perhaps! Does this happen often? I need to fill the fluid back up and see if I lose it. I guess I can buy fluid from Honda for it unless there is something I can use from NAPA or Autozone?
I am surprised as my 98 had 2400 miles when I picked it up and I have ridden it about 500 miles in the last 3 weeks or so, I am loving it!
Can someone help me with this as to where to start? Thanks so much in advance!
It seems as though there is oil on all of the bolts that hold the oil pan (?) on, perhaps.
So, I am a bit worried. I need to pull out the manual and find the drain bolt and see if thats where its coming from.
Only other thing I noticed is that my clutch fluid level (on left side handlebar) is at the lower level mark which worries me. Sometimes, my gears engage loudly and at high rpms shifts from 1st to second, I "grind".
I am not sure if this is related or not and if the leak is clutch fluid, perhaps! Does this happen often? I need to fill the fluid back up and see if I lose it. I guess I can buy fluid from Honda for it unless there is something I can use from NAPA or Autozone?
I am surprised as my 98 had 2400 miles when I picked it up and I have ridden it about 500 miles in the last 3 weeks or so, I am loving it!
Can someone help me with this as to where to start? Thanks so much in advance!
08-21-2007, 07:46 AM
#2
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
Check the pan and drain bolts and make sure they are tight, the drain plug should have a sealing washer on it so try and see if its there as well.
You should be able to use any DOT approved fluid (double check what the cap says to use, DOT 4 iirc on my '02)
You should be able to use any DOT approved fluid (double check what the cap says to use, DOT 4 iirc on my '02)
Well, I looked under the SH and saw 2 or 3 drops of oil. So, I laid down ASAP and started peeking.
It seems as though there is oil on all of the bolts that hold the oil pan (?) on, perhaps.
So, I am a bit worried. I need to pull out the manual and find the drain bolt and see if thats where its coming from.
Only other thing I noticed is that my clutch fluid level (on left side handlebar) is at the lower level mark which worries me. Sometimes, my gears engage loudly and at high rpms shifts from 1st to second, I "grind".
I am not sure if this is related or not and if the leak is clutch fluid, perhaps! Does this happen often? I need to fill the fluid back up and see if I lose it. I guess I can buy fluid from Honda for it unless there is something I can use from NAPA or Autozone?
I am surprised as my 98 had 2400 miles when I picked it up and I have ridden it about 500 miles in the last 3 weeks or so, I am loving it!
Can someone help me with this as to where to start? Thanks so much in advance!
It seems as though there is oil on all of the bolts that hold the oil pan (?) on, perhaps.
So, I am a bit worried. I need to pull out the manual and find the drain bolt and see if thats where its coming from.
Only other thing I noticed is that my clutch fluid level (on left side handlebar) is at the lower level mark which worries me. Sometimes, my gears engage loudly and at high rpms shifts from 1st to second, I "grind".
I am not sure if this is related or not and if the leak is clutch fluid, perhaps! Does this happen often? I need to fill the fluid back up and see if I lose it. I guess I can buy fluid from Honda for it unless there is something I can use from NAPA or Autozone?
I am surprised as my 98 had 2400 miles when I picked it up and I have ridden it about 500 miles in the last 3 weeks or so, I am loving it!
Can someone help me with this as to where to start? Thanks so much in advance!
08-21-2007, 09:34 AM
#4
Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
Well, I did check the oil filter first to see if the sucka was loose or coming off - LOL. Nothing! Its sealed tight...The oil seems to be coming out of the bolt - I will try to tighten it some.
I will remove the chinguard piece, spray the block down with brakekleen, then simple green and wash it off before I ride again...
Good idea on the babypowder. Just rub the block with babypowder, aye? I might use the goldbond I have - great for prickly skin....
I will remove the chinguard piece, spray the block down with brakekleen, then simple green and wash it off before I ride again...
Good idea on the babypowder. Just rub the block with babypowder, aye? I might use the goldbond I have - great for prickly skin....
08-21-2007, 09:42 AM
#6
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
bling - did you mean crush washer on drain plug? Most cars have those, I was wondering if that could be it. I need to find that drain plug in the manual, couldnt find the sucka peeking - wondering if the chingaurd needs to come off, maybe?
08-21-2007, 10:36 AM
#7
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
I don't believe the chin spoiler has to come off to get to the drain plug. The plug is on the left side near the kicksatnd iirc, 17mm maybe? its been a few months since I changed my oil...
08-21-2007, 10:39 AM
#8
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Squid
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
RickB - Thanks, I havent looked for it. That would make sense, thats the side the oil is on. I will have to check it out ASAP. I am waiting on my race stand to get here, I am nervous laying under on the center stand - I can see bad things happening when the handlebar cracks my noggin or the clutch lever takes out my left eye! 
08-21-2007, 01:12 PM
#10
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
Any other symptoms of clutch slave cylinder issues?
08-21-2007, 08:46 PM
#11
Member
Squid
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Tomball, TX
Posts: 57
Check the oil cooler line bolt on that side, too. If the bolt is loose or the o-ring is misaligned it could be slowly dripping oil, allowing it to run down to the pan. Unlikely on a low-mile bike, but possible.
08-22-2007, 05:40 AM
#12
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SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
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