Oil leak?

Author
Discussion

Edmundo2

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

217 months

Friday 30th July 2010
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I know I'm probably posting in wrong forum but I think club racers are most likely to be able to help. I own a Jedi hillclimber with an oil cooled big bore 1370cc GSXR engine in it. Problem is it leaks oil and I cannot find the source? I've tried new seals on starter/alternator/sprocket + have had engine out and sent away to Powertech to have cover faces machined + new gaskets. I did this because a recent rolling road session showed no leaks even when under load, however a smoke test showed a leak from hole where starter wires come up through ignition/rotor pick up cover.
The leak only appears after a twisty run which suggests to me that surge around corners plays a part + results in oil collecting on top of crank case between starter/alternator + on chassis tubes near sprocket side of engine. There's no sign of leaks from barrel gaskets or aeroquip etc?

Anyone experienced similar? The car goes fantastically and I've yet to try a run since getting engine back from builder but just thought I'd ask in case leak is still there and it's back to the drawing board?
Thanks, Ed.

bikemonster

1,188 posts

248 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2010
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Hi Ed

Not a simple answer, but two things you could try.

For both options, statement of the obvious: start by cleaning off the already-escaped oil.

The expensive/complicated option is to add some UV dye to the oil in the engine and then use a UV light to see where the oil is escaping from.

The simple version of the same test is to dust the area with talc/baby powder. The oil will leave a nice trail where it runs through the powder, and you should be able to see where it is escaping from.

James

Edmundo2

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

217 months

Wednesday 4th August 2010
quotequote all
bikemonster said:
Hi Ed

Not a simple answer, but two things you could try.

For both options, statement of the obvious: start by cleaning off the already-escaped oil.

The expensive/complicated option is to add some UV dye to the oil in the engine and then use a UV light to see where the oil is escaping from.

The simple version of the same test is to dust the area with talc/baby powder. The oil will leave a nice trail where it runs through the powder, and you should be able to see where it is escaping from.

James
Hi. Yes I've tried the talc option on rolling road but no leak due to no cornering. I'll try on next run but fear that most likely the oil will run accross source due to oil pooling at highest point, ( top of crankcase ), then moving accross engine when cornering?

Cheers.

andybracing

157 posts

180 months

Thursday 5th August 2010
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If the problem doesnt happen with the engine running normaly, only on track, my first thought would be to check oil breather lines for blockages etc. And also many bike engined cars leak if over filled, and by over filled i mean on the low mark or just above

andybracing

157 posts

180 months

Thursday 5th August 2010
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sorry should add, this is when cold and when hot halfway between min and max is the best level at the most.

Edmundo2

Original Poster:

1,373 posts

217 months

Saturday 7th August 2010
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No leak!!! Happy days - seems it must have been as we suspected so sorted since work done.
Thanks for you replies.