A Newbie - with problems!!!

[mcludd]

Hello all I have just registered as I have just bought a 1993 CRM - I think thats a MK11 but not sure yet.
I have only managed one trip out on it so far and was rewarded with a front mudguard dripping oil everywhere - I can only assume this is toast for the oil tank as its the only thing that high up that contains oil, are these things known for oil tank leakage?
My oil appears to be to be leaking from the area of the bottom yoke where the front part of the harness sneaks under it.
If it has split I am looking at premix or finding somewhere to squirrel away a small plastic tank to keep the slippery stuff in.
Not bothering today but I will I guess drain the tank and try a low pressure air test to see if it isn't sealed

[fallenmikethebike]

Hi, not a fork cap come loose is it ?
It would be unusual for the oil to leak from the tank onto that area!
Is the little hose between the two spigots on the oil tank on the right hand side done up tight?
That would only be a small volume of oil though.
Even overfilling it shouldn't lead to oil in that area, as it normally drips down the rad.
Mike

[mcludd]

Thanks Mike - I never thought about the possibility of a fork leak I will check tomorrow I did notice the oil that was dripping was more than brown in colour rather than the red of the 2 smoke oil that is in the tank - so fingers crossed

[mcludd]

So after stripping the front end and thoroughly examining the headstock tube I can confirm the oil tank/frame is sound also I changed the forks for a spare pair and boxed it all back up and went for a test ride - everything good for about 10 miles and then the oil flow begun
This time however I caught the culprit in the act, it transpires it the engine breather which is routed up past the top of the tank and ends by being poked into the headstock tube which is spewing gearbox oil all over the front of the bike (and my footwear) I further presume either the gearbox has been massively overfilled or I have a leaky mains oil seal (or two) that said though no other oil seal symptom is present it idles nicely and doesn't hang onto revs with a closed throttle
I imagine I will investigate further through the course of this week

[fallenmikethebike]

On the right hand casing,is a 10mm headed bolt, near the water pump. This is an oil level indicator, remove it and allow the excess oil to flow out with the bike held upright. When the oil stops flowing out it's at the correct level. They only hold 650ml,some people think adding extra oil helps, it doesn't, as you can testify, it just makes a mess.Good call on the seals though, that would be the next place to look. Still the boots are nice and waterproof now .
Mike

[mcludd]

Thats once again for the pointer Fallenmike, kinda pre-empted my next question.
Far too cold out in the garage tonight but thats my next move

[mcludd]

Top call
I removed the gearbox level plug this evening and oil came and continued to came for at least 10 mins, I guesstimate about 250-300ml ended up in my drain tub, I really hope my next outing will be without external lubrication
Fingers crossed

[gregorious77]

Sounds like you found the problem.

[fallenmikethebike]

Ssssorted.
Mike

[mcludd]

It is indeed, a 25 mile test ride today (bloody freezing!!!) and not one drip of unnecessary lubrication to the frame and cycle parts
How pleased am I
Cheers to Fallenmike for his tips - need to find some green lane action now before the snow comes

[fallenmikethebike]

It is indeed, a 25 mile test ride today (bloody freezing!!!) and not one drip of unnecessary lubrication to the frame and cycle parts
How pleased am I
Cheers to Fallenmike for his tips - need to find some green lane action now before the snow comes

Before the bloody Rambliars come . We tend not to get so many of them on the river to bother us kayaking , yet .
Glad it's all worked out.
Mike

[gregorious77]

Snow + Green lanes = joy