SpongeBobbed
650 Simpleton
So I bought an '80 heritage special last summer to give me something to work on now that my bobber is running. I rode it a couple times and it leaked more oil than I thought possible. It had all the normal culprits, including a loose main sprocket, wrong/no gaskets everywhere, worn push rod and shifter seals, missing bolts exetera. I've spent probly 10 hours degreasing this engine (in frame) and I'm still not even close to getting all the caked on oil off it. I've been contemplating pulling the motor and soda blasting it but it seems to be strong and I don't want to pull it a part. I've heard you can soda blast a complete engine but I'm not sure if I trust it.
Anyways, I took off the left case cover today to clean the built up gunk by the sprocket and change the seals and I noticed a small hole by the bottom of the cover. I think oil has been leaking out of it but it's hard to tell because it was leaking everywhere.
My question is:
- do I have to replace the cover? I'd rather not if I don't have to
- If I fix up all the areas that leak oil from the left case (push rod, shift shaft, sprocket, etc) then I assume oil won't get into the left case. Am I wrong to assume that is supposed to be an oil free zone? other than what comes off the chain?
- since it is such a small hole can I just plug it up with some silicone or gasket maker? (I don't use it anywhere else on my bike but it might be helpful here)
- should it be welded?
Anyways, just wanted to get some expert opinions. Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Anyways, I took off the left case cover today to clean the built up gunk by the sprocket and change the seals and I noticed a small hole by the bottom of the cover. I think oil has been leaking out of it but it's hard to tell because it was leaking everywhere.
My question is:
- do I have to replace the cover? I'd rather not if I don't have to
- If I fix up all the areas that leak oil from the left case (push rod, shift shaft, sprocket, etc) then I assume oil won't get into the left case. Am I wrong to assume that is supposed to be an oil free zone? other than what comes off the chain?
- since it is such a small hole can I just plug it up with some silicone or gasket maker? (I don't use it anywhere else on my bike but it might be helpful here)
- should it be welded?
Anyways, just wanted to get some expert opinions. Let me know what you think. Thanks!