Help with oil leak

[Kee]

I have an oil leak coming from the seal on the right side of the engine; the side where you put oil in.  I was hoping someone could give me a rundown on how easy or difficult it is to replace.  Thanks.

[3imo]

http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view~schem_dept_id~705199~section_dept_id~1~section_dept_name~OEM+%28Stock%29+Parts~dept_type_id~2~model_dept_year~1996~model_dept_mfr~Suzuki~model_dept_id~703270~model_dept_name~GS500ET.asp

The ease of repair depends on your skill level, I guess. Aren't you the one that had a bad noise in the engine a while back? You took it to a shop right? How did that go?

Anyway, Be sure of where the leak is comming from first. What I do is clean the suspected area and dust lightly with baby powder.  then you will know for sure.
If it is the cranckcase clutch cover cover, then you will need to order the gasket and replace it. 

#1 drain the oil
#2 clean the mating surfaces WITHOUT scratching or gouging them.  **very important
because oil tends to flow downward it is sometimes a pain to keep the oil off the mating surfaces but It is necessary.  They must be squeeky clean. Any oil left on these surfaces will likely result in another leak, in time.

#3 replace gasket and cover gently. being sure to follow the correct torque specs for the bolts.


If the mating surfaces are squeeky clean you will not need any kind of RTV or gasket sealers.  Just a plain old gasket, just like from the factory.

good luck

[Kee]

Wow, you have a good memory. I had that engine problem about 2.5 years ago.  I previously searched for advice and found that I should clean and degrease the engine to find out where it is leaking from. Did that this weekend, and it is definitely leaking from that gasket (hopefully no where else as well).
Sounds like it is a pretty easy fix. Should I lay the bike on the side when replacing the gasket so that it is easy to clean the oil off?

[3imo]

I never heard of laying the bike on it's side for this, but I guess it might help. I dunno. I personally wouldn't just because I don't know what might be harmed.

I just soaked up as much oil as I could and worked fast.  I never thought about laying the bike down. 

use Acetone or some alcohol based solvent on the mating surfaces just prior to rplacing the gasket. you want it squeeky clean.

as far as my memory is concerned, I wasn't a member 2.5 years ago.  I guess I just happened upon your thread, sometime ago. Just remembered your name. Hell I even remembered you had a 96', right?

anyhoo, its an easy fix. $11 gasket and some time and patients. do it right and you'll only do it once.

good luck

[Kee]

Thanks for your help. Time to order some parts.