Gaskets leaking again...and again...and again...

[XealotX]

Pulled into work this morning and found oil dripping from the vicinity of the magneto cover gasket. I've already decided to replace the magneto and oil pan gasket. Are there any other gaskets I should replace while I have the engine bottom pulled apart? I saw mention of a push rod seal during a search...how often does it leak?

My bike is an 02 and was left parked in a garage for several years without being ridden. Since EVERY gasket has started leaking at the same time I'm wondering if the original gaskets have started to rot?

Figure I might as well paint the exhaust as well while the bike is down for maintenance (again).

Thanks

[gs500e]

Is your crank case breather tube open... not restricted?

[XealotX]

Is your crank case breather tube open... not restricted?

Is the crank case breather tube the tube that connects at the air box? If so then the tube appears to be connected OK. It has a 90 degree bend coming out of the air box and exits on the right side of the engine. I'll pull it off tomorrow and make sure it is clear.

Thanks.

[gs500e]

Is your crank case breather tube open... not restricted?

Is the crank case breather tube the tube that connects at the air box? If so then the tube appears to be connected OK. It has a 90 degree bend coming out of the air box and exits on the right side of the engine. I'll pull it off tomorrow and make sure it is clear.

Thanks.

The crankcase breather should not have a 90 in it.  Should be a straight hose from top of engine to top/front of air box. 
There is another hose (drain hose) for the air box that has a 90 on it (2 of them probably)... but that wouldn't be the cause.
Ya gotta pull the tank off to to really get to it.
(I say all this about that hose... because i installed a newer carb, and had pushed that hose out of the way and kinked it in the process, forgot to put it back to normal... a few miles later it was seeping oil from most engine gaskets.  No seeping since putting the hose on the right way)

Another possibility is worn rings causing blow-by; pressurizing the engine... but you would likely be burning a lot of oil at that point.

Is a stuck valve possible? (?)  But then it wouldn't run well one way or another.

[XealotX]

I'll pull the tank off this weekend and check. I never have to add oil between oil changes so I don't think worn rings are the issue. It runs great (other than the oil leaking like an excited puppy) and I checked the valves recently.

[ben2go]

Is your crank case breather tube open... not restricted?

Is the crank case breather tube the tube that connects at the air box? If so then the tube appears to be connected OK. It has a 90 degree bend coming out of the air box and exits on the right side of the engine. I'll pull it off tomorrow and make sure it is clear.

Thanks.

The crankcase breather should not have a 90 in it.  Should be a straight hose from top of engine to top/front of air box. 
There is another hose (drain hose) for the air box that has a 90 on it (2 of them probably)... but that wouldn't be the cause.
Ya gotta pull the tank off to to really get to it.
(I say all this about that hose... because i installed a newer carb, and had pushed that hose out of the way and kinked it in the process, forgot to put it back to normal... a few miles later it was seeping oil from most engine gaskets.  No seeping since putting the hose on the right way)

Another possibility is worn rings causing blow-by; pressurizing the engine... but you would likely be burning a lot of oil at that point.

Is a stuck valve possible? (?)  But then it wouldn't run well one way or another.

I agree with checking that first and cleaning the engine where the oil is leaking again.If you change the gaskets,don't use any sealant on them,don't wedge something between the cover and engine case to pry it loose,and also check for tool marks on the mating surfaces.A gouged up mating surface will not seal and sealants will squeeze out,break free,and clog oil passages.I use a gasket scraper to remove most of the old gasket material and a clean dry dish scrubber(like scotch brite) to clean the surfaces.I have yet to have a leak.Now I have jinxed myself.

[bill14224]

Sorry for your bad luck my friend.  I'm thinking what the others are thinking.  You must have excessive crankcase pressure for some reason.  I suppose a clogged breather could be the cause, but to produce enough pressure to force oil out of every gasket?  Unlikely I think and I hope I'm wrong.  Sounds like a cracked piston or ring to me.  It's hard to believe an '02 would leak from every gasket due to normal wear-and-tear followed by several years parked unless you racked-up a ton of miles in the first few years and you ride like you're in the Daytona 500.  My '94 has 28,000 miles on it, doesn't leak a drop, and it's never been apart. (other than valve adjustments)  I'm thinking it's time to look for another motor.  Even if it's something as simple as a clogged breather you'll need to do a full tear-down and replace all the gaskets.  Cheaper and easier to replace the motor.  Best of luck to you.