oil leak

[DanUK]

so the other day i noticed that a small amount of oil was on my frame just under the gear lever. Its not coming from the gear lever itself but from the casing mating surfaces below it. I believe its just a worn gasket that needs replacing. i have never had the engine apart before but im willing to take the side off and have a look. Just wondering whats behind that cover, its the smaller cover on the left hand side of the engine. Any precautions needed before removing it to replace the gasket? Also im intending on doing an oil change soon as the oil level is marked as low on the dip stick, so i need to fix this leak first. But what oil would you guys recommend for my 2004 gs500 unfaired?

Thanks Dan.

[reload]

that smaller cover is for the drive sprocket.  there is no gasket there. it's probably grease/oil from the chain dripping into that area and leaking through. just unbolt and clean it out.

there is small chance that you could have a leak from the clutch shaft or the sprocket shaft so check where those parts come through the transmission case.

as for oil, check out rotella t 15w-40.

[jacob_ns]

My guess is the shift lever (or sprocket) o-ring.

[mister]

Sounds like chain lube build up dripping down. Quite common. More common than leaking shafts and whatnot. So start with that... remove cover, clean out front sprocket area, replace cover and keep an eye on it.

Michael

[ben2go]

Watch your oil level also.Check it with the bike upright,on both wheels,and with the cap resting on top of the hole,not screwed in.I agree with everyone that it is probably dripping chain lube.

[burning1]

I'm not sure that the oil level is going to tell him anything - the GS burns enough oil that it's hard to tell whether you're dealing with normal consumption or a leak.