Oil Leak?

[Kijona]

There's a small amount of oil collecting right below the tachometer port on my 97. It's probably about a tablespoon or so. I noticed the knurled sleeve was a little loose so I tightened it up. Is this why it was leaking or just a coincidence? Haven't had a chance to ride since I tightened so we'll see.

It wasn't a huge amount of oil or anything and it LOOKS like it's been there a while. Unless of course it isn't engine oil at all and someone lubed the tachometer cable and forgot to tighten it back up and so it spilled out all over the top of the cooling fin?

Dunno. I'm guessing there's at least one probably two seals in the little protrusion for the tachometer cable? Fairly easy to replace, right? I just don't want to go taking it apart if there's no reason to.

Here's a pic (sorry, best I can do since I'm out of town at the moment):

[Big Rich]

That is a common spot for oil weeping - at least on other GS models. I do believe there is an o ring or two that can need replaced if tightening the cable didn't do the trick.

[Kijona]

That is a common spot for oil weeping - at least on other GS models. I do believe there is an o ring or two that can need replaced if tightening the cable didn't do the trick.

Okay, would you recommend possibly grabbing the knurls on the sleeve with a small pair of pliers and giving it a good snug or is it finger tight only?

Also, thanks, that's what I needed to know.

[Big Rich]

I've used a pair of pliers before only because the knurled part of the cable had oil residue on it. But if you do use pliers, just make sure you don't crush the cable end (very possible) or over tighten it.

[adidasguy]

Here you go. There is an O ring. Oil is not under pressure in the head. Tighten the screw holding the thingy. A bunch of crud should keep oil in. If it leaks around the shaft, think of it as a hillbilly way to keep the tach cable lubed. 

[Kijona]

Here you go. There is an O ring. Oil is not under pressure in the head. Tighten the screw holding the thingy. A bunch of crud should keep oil in. If it leaks around the shaft, think of it as a hillbilly way to keep the tach cable lubed. 

Excellent pic man. Thanks a bunch!

I'm guessing there's an o-ring or gasket or something behind the knurled/ribbed ring?

[Tombstones81]

happened to mine too.
was leaking there.

purchased #18 and 19 from http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/3546-suzuki-1994--gs500e/assemblies/124866
(thats for my 94 btw)
and it hasnt leaked since.

[Twisted]

Stop looking for oil leaks and ride the damn thing   

[Kijona]

Stop looking for iol leaks and ride the damn thing   

LOL

Well you see, Twisted...unlike a lot of people...my GS looks almost brand new. Now, that is both a blessing and a curse. When it leaks oil, it's immediately obvious and it spoils the look of an otherwise flawless bike. I don't have any fairings to cover up the nasties...and...my frame is silver.

ALSO consider that it's 30-something degrees right now and I'm sick...so I'm not riding anywhere! I'm also out of town!

[Funderb]

just thought i'd throw this in:

There are two types of people in this world,

Those who have driven air-cooled vehicles with oil leaks
and, well, there's only one kind of person.

So much for that...

[Kijona]

just thought i'd throw this in:

There are two types of people in this world,

Those who have driven air-cooled vehicles with oil leaks
and, well, there's only one kind of person.

So much for that...

Lol...you know. :p

I know, I know, oil leaks are par for the course with air-cooled bikes, specifically the GS.

[Funderb]

bt-dubs, does your tach cable like to virbate itself out on either end? Mine kept doing it for a while until i cranked them in there. It doesn't leak, but the valve cover gasket makes up for it. I'd call it a weep, not quite a seep.

[Paulcet]

I'm guessing there's an o-ring or gasket or something behind the knurled/ribbed ring?

The o-ring you're asking about goes around the small diameter shaft.  It will be difficult to remove, but with some small picks, you might get it.

[Kijona]

I'm guessing there's an o-ring or gasket or something behind the knurled/ribbed ring?

The o-ring you're asking about goes around the small diameter shaft.  It will be difficult to remove, but with some small picks, you might get it.

Oooh okay, now I understand how this thing works. Kind of silly that it's only held on by 1 bolt though! Thanks for that pic! Much obliged Paul.

I guess what I'll do is maybe take it off, clean it up, inspect the o-rings, then re-install it and see if it still leaks. If it still leaks after that I'll just replace the o-rings.

[Kijona]

Wait..

Why does yours look different from Adidas' or visa versa? Which is which? I've got a 97...did they change it?

[adidasguy]

Same thing. He pulled the shaft out of the mounting and you are seeing the mounting head on rather than sideways.

[Kijona]

Same thing. He pulled the shaft out of the mounting and you are seeing the mounting head on rather than sideways.

Well that is obvious, lol. I'm talking about the shaft - his is different or so it seems.

Maybe it's just me. Sorry, heh.

[adidasguy]

Same. Most of shaft except for the gear is hiding in the silvery thingy holder/bracket.
The photo of the donut thin is the long silver thingy that the shaft goes through, seen head on rather than from the side.

[Kijona]

Same. Most of shaft except for the gear is hiding in the silvery thingy holder/bracket.
The photo of the donut thin is the long silver thingy that the shaft goes through, seen head on rather than from the side.

Gotcha. Thanks