Synthetic Oil and Leaks

bryanwescoe · August 11, 2006, 01:32:58 PM

Hey guys,

On tuesday, I changed my oil and filter to prepare for a 1,000 mile trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains and back with my dad. I used Mobil 1 synthetic 15w-50 based on research, recommendations and my own thought. I know that Suzuki recommends 10w-40 but I figured since I would be going up and down mountains cycling through the gears all day long, a little heavier oil would be in store. So Wednesday goes off without a hitch. We covered about 325 miles including 125 or so on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then on thursday i notice a small leak on either side of the engine covers (by the rear break lever and shifter). Today the leak got much worse and you could watch the drips fall, probably one per minute. I am wondering if this is just caused by using synthetic oil, or if I have really developed a leak that is bad. It seems to be originating behind the exhaust manifold towards the bottom of the cylinders. I took some pics to help visualize.

....hmm well imageshack isnt cooperating. I'll try to get pics up asap

FearedGS500 · August 11, 2006, 02:09:45 PM

check your oil level watch it . see if it looks as if you have a leak .. check it each time you stop .. you are using a heavy oil .. but have you been using a full syse. oil ? i'm not a fan of changing oil weights right in the middle of everything ..

sledge · August 11, 2006, 02:31:15 PM

I believe that synthetic oil can `seep` through gaskets under certain circumstances owing to its make-up, however it shouldnt drip out at the rate you are experiencing. Lets be honest If it did, any advantage synthetic oil offered would be outweighed by the fact it would be constantly pissing out of the engine and no-one would want to buy or use it. I would clean the engine and frame off completely with a degreaser then rev the engine to get the oil warm and up to pressure. Then try to identify exactly where the leak is coming from. Where it drips from and where the leak actually is can often be 2 different places. If its at the front below the exhausts it could be the cylinder base gasket needs replacing but if you are lucky the head-bolts might just be a bit loose and in need of torquing-up.

MarkusN · August 12, 2006, 01:30:34 AM

Switching to synthetic from dino can have that effect. You may have had that leak all along, but sealed with gunk deposited by the dino oil. Now with the well-known gunk-dissolving qulaities of the synthetic you may have a problem at hand.

I don't say it happened that way, but you wouldn't be the first one.

Old Mr. Wilson · August 12, 2006, 05:39:51 AM

Bryan, I am using the Mobil 1 fully synthetic 15W-50 and I have zero leaks. Zero. I started using it
after the inital break-in oil change though. I have the GS500EY.............year 2000 Model. Wilson

domas · August 13, 2006, 12:27:25 AM

You might have overfilled the engine with the oil.

deathlucky · August 13, 2006, 01:04:44 AM

is the drip a min coming from the motor on the air box run off hose if its from the air box hose it should stop soon

i went on a ride 300km and the bike was leaking out the airbox run off hose but it has stopped nowi use 20w 50 oil

LimaXray · August 13, 2006, 08:02:16 AM

Could be a clogged PCV system... Don't know how it would have gotten clogged, but if that were the case it would cause pressure to build up in the crankcase blowing oil past the seals. Try taking off the PCV cover on top of the valve cover and make sure nothing is gummed up in there.

It's just a thought, but my first guess would have been what Markus said.

bryanwescoe · August 13, 2006, 06:38:19 PM

Quote from: domas on August 13, 2006, 12:27:25 AM
You might have overfilled the engine with the oil.
[/quote

I thought abou tthis too but i filled it to the Full line. It did take a full 3 quarts and in the How To guide it said it only took 2.8 quarts. I put 2.8 quarts and the oil level was only 1/4 up the full level. Maybe i should take a little out?

MarkusN · August 14, 2006, 01:51:35 AM

How did you check the oil level?

On the centerstand, cap just laid on top of the thread is the way to go.
If you did it on the sidestand you have way too much oil in there (wouldn't just be 0.2 quarts, though.)

bryanwescoe · August 15, 2006, 08:07:28 AM

Quote from: MarkusN on August 14, 2006, 01:51:35 AM
How did you check the oil level?

On the centerstand, cap just laid on top of the thread is the way to go.
If you did it on the sidestand you have way too much oil in there (wouldn't just be 0.2 quarts, though.)

No centerstand because of the pipe, but i had my dad hold the bike upright and i checked the oil lever with the dipstick just sitting on top. I really dont think that the oil is overfilled. Its starting to look like it might be a cylinder base gasket

bryanwescoe · August 15, 2006, 08:13:07 AM

Is there anythign i can tighten up? Maybe something is just lose. I've looked around and it doesnt look very obvious.

MarkusN · August 15, 2006, 08:20:54 AM

Cylinder head screws hold also the cylinder base. So that's what you want to re-tighten. Work from the inside out, tightening up nuts that are diagonally across in pairs.

bryanwescoe · August 15, 2006, 01:53:19 PM

Quote from: MarkusN on August 15, 2006, 08:20:54 AM
Cylinder head screws hold also the cylinder base. So that's what you want to re-tighten. Work from the inside out, tightening up nuts that are diagonally across in pairs.

Is there a torque spec for these nuts?

MarkusN · August 15, 2006, 02:04:08 PM

35 - 40 Nm

rangerbrown · August 15, 2006, 03:16:36 PM

Quote from: MarkusN on August 12, 2006, 01:30:34 AM
Switching to synthetic from dino can have that effect. You may have had that leak all along, but sealed with gunk deposited by the dino oil. Now with the well-known gunk-dissolving qulaities of the synthetic you may have a problem at hand.

I don't say it happened that way, but you wouldn't be the first one.

your a dumb ass.

google info on this and there are more than a page full of indepened test that show mixing, and swaping back and forth is fine. i have 15k on my bike and have had mobil 1 ever sence i have had the bike. no leaks

search oil myths

sledge · August 16, 2006, 01:15:49 AM

Ranger?
Tututut, thats a bit out of order isnt it? I am not the most tactful or diplomatic of members but I wouldnt say that about someone

. Anyway am I right in assuming that because you have never had a problem with your bike and Mobil1 that you think nobody else ever should or will? Thats bit like saying "I watched Dumbo last night, do you know elephants CAN fly?" I dunno maybe you DO think elephants can fly, personaly I wouldnt be surprized if you did.
The comments made by Markus have some truth about them, and I agree with and support everything he says. The issue is not about mixing synth and non-synth, its about the potential for leakage that synth` can lead to and here is the proof. Halfway down the page on this link is a question.
http://www.royalpurple.com/techa/faqsa.html
WILL SYNTHETIC OIL CAUSE MY ENGINE TO LEAK?
I suggest you read it then ask who is the Dumb ass. Bear in mind also that this a manufactures website, not a page from the web with the word "Myths" in the title. Your lack of knowledge and experience just shines through my friend.
BTW how is the turbo project coming along? Myself and several other members cant wait to see it

I hope Markus does not take your comment seriously or choose to leave, he has put more useful info into this forum than you ever have.

makaveli2502 · August 16, 2006, 02:46:39 AM

ya dude the seals on your bike that hold oil in kinda soaks it in if you change oil it could kind of corrode the seal or whatever you call it, not a good thing to change from synthetic to something else..

rangerbrown · August 16, 2006, 06:14:06 AM

i went to school and had to run test on this, so yes i know the facts

blue05twin · August 16, 2006, 06:38:14 AM

I don't know crap about synth or dino, but I was told that if I wanted to go with synth wait till at least 2 or 3K miles. Then go to synth, once you start useing synth you should not go back to dino. Something about possible long term damage.

Like I said I don't know crap about the two types of oil, I was told this by 3 different mechanic's, two suzuki mechanic's from two different dealers. And 1 auto mechanic.

Sorry about your leak man hope you get it sorted out.

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Synthetic Oil and Leaks