Got my bike (1972 xs2) running smoothly after a total restoration. It's got 7,600 miles and a fresh top-end, but didn't touch the bottom end. Since everything on the motor is freshly vapor blasted and the bottom end is painted new in duplicolor aluminum, it's pretty easy to detect leaks.
Thankfully the top end is leak free (retorqued after the first few heat cycles for good measure), but there is a drip on the bottom end left side, and seems to be emanating from the bolts that hold the gear train cover on. There is a wee bit of oil on a top bolt or two, and then it is visible on the bottom bolts. it seems to be coming from under the bolts rather than at the gasket surface if that makes sense? I guess it would as the gasket would presumably start to give from the inside out, and reach the bolt holes first?
Or is this possibly an optical illusion and the leak is actually coming from the more notorious clutch pushrod seal or drive gear? Thing is, I've shined a bright light up in there and see no evidence of oil dripping down onto the gear train cover.
Just want to put the question out there - is it worth trying to install copper crush washers and under the bolts to stop the leak or is it a definite gasket replacement? I have read the threads cautioning about over-torquing those bolts, so I'll be careful...
The leak is pretty minor but on a brand new restoration, it's pretty annoying! Plus I park the thing in my dining room so there's that...
Thankfully the top end is leak free (retorqued after the first few heat cycles for good measure), but there is a drip on the bottom end left side, and seems to be emanating from the bolts that hold the gear train cover on. There is a wee bit of oil on a top bolt or two, and then it is visible on the bottom bolts. it seems to be coming from under the bolts rather than at the gasket surface if that makes sense? I guess it would as the gasket would presumably start to give from the inside out, and reach the bolt holes first?
Or is this possibly an optical illusion and the leak is actually coming from the more notorious clutch pushrod seal or drive gear? Thing is, I've shined a bright light up in there and see no evidence of oil dripping down onto the gear train cover.
Just want to put the question out there - is it worth trying to install copper crush washers and under the bolts to stop the leak or is it a definite gasket replacement? I have read the threads cautioning about over-torquing those bolts, so I'll be careful...
The leak is pretty minor but on a brand new restoration, it's pretty annoying! Plus I park the thing in my dining room so there's that...