Bought a used 2004, got some ?????????'s.

[Johno]

Hello All
I picked up a used 2004 gs500f with 6,000 miles on it, paid $3000, seemed like a great deal to me. It seems to have a small leak near the bottom of the motor on the left hand side near the chain. When it sits in the garage it kinda drips down the side stand. I talked to the original owner and he said the dealer told him its no worry just due to gasket expanding and contracting??? Anyone else have this problem? Also where would one get a shop manual for this year? The Clymers doesnt cover the 2004.

Thanks JohnO

[FearedGS500]

? thats not normal .. well not on mine .. i have 2005 and it dont have any leaks and its got about 2,300  miles on it .. you might go to your local dealer and see if they can order you one . ( make sure when you get a filter they give you the right one .. they tryed to give me a screw on filter and the 2005's dont have the screw on ones any more )

[Alphamazing]

I got my '04 GS for about the same price with similar miles. Your leaking is NOT normal. Check the torques on the bolts around the area and see if that helps. If the bike didn't get it's appropriate check ups (and its first service at 600 miles) it could have come loose. You have to give the stuff time to settle in and re-tighten, just to be safe. If it's the gasket, you should probably replace it.

[scratch]

Welcome!

Yes, not normal. However, some investigation may be needed on your part to find out what is really wrong to prevent fixing the wrong thing. Take the sprocket cover off (you will not have to drain the oil) and clean out the area behind there with a rag (or a couple of rags, and make sure to lay out a couple layers of newspaper underneath to catch all the fracas). The leak may be coming from 5 different things:
1. Excess chain lube
2. Clutch rod seal (the most forward and smallest shaft)
3. Drive shaft seal (countershaft/layshaft seal; the one with the sprocket)
4. Gear selector/shift shaft seal
5. Left side crankcase cover gasket

Also, check the chain slack. If the chain is too tight, it can cause excessive wear on the drive shaft seal and it will leak. Proper chain tension is .08-1.2 inches with the bike on the sidestand.

[Johno]

Is there any shop manual out for the newer models or will the Clymers do? When you say check the torque on the bolts do they require a certain torque on them with a torque wrench or do you mean make sure they are tight with a regular wrench?

[scratch]

The Clymer will do. Checking torque should, of course, be done with a torque wrench to ensure proper torque, but in the mean time you can just check to make sure the bolts are tight, without using excessive force so you don't break 'em. Okay?

[Johno]

Thanks and Happy New "Riding" Year.

[pandy]

Welcome, and a VERY Happy New Riding Year to you!!!  :mrgreen:

[Budrick320]

You can get a factory service manual at www.repairmanuals.com and just follow the links
I got mine a few days ago. Very fast shipping. Got it in 4 days in Texas all the way from North Carolina.