Just a thought, but i'm a noob so feel free to tell me to go away, my carbs flooded fuel out the filter a while back, which got into the sprocket cover, dripping out a black oily substance. If you've never taken it off, the sprocket cover will probably have about a pound of old chain lube in there which could be the culprit.

Quote from: baronduff on February 25, 2016, 02:40:12 PM
Just a thought, but i'm a noob so feel free to tell me to go away, my carbs flooded fuel out the filter a while back, which got into the sprocket cover, dripping out a black oily substance. If you've never taken it off, the sprocket cover will probably have about a pound of old chain lube in there which could be the culprit.

I'm probably a bigger noob when it comes to working bikes so no worries I have taken the sprocket cover off before and cleaned it but that was a couple years ago so I will have to check that out. Other than reading a half dozen oil leak posts on this forum I have no idea where mine could be leaking from, if it still is. I degreased and washed the bike so I will soon find out.

A different question, but my left carb keeps leaking out of I believe is the drain for it. I have tightened the screw before but cannot tighten it more or it could break.

Worst case scenario, get a new plug screw for the carb. The shipping will probably cost more than the screw. Glad to hear you're taking the plunge. You'll feel real good riding the bike around later knowing that you fixed it yourself! Plus you'll see how simple it really is. Are you certain the drip is from the plug? Because if the float bowls were overfilled and your float bowl gaskets are toast, it could seep out from them and drip down that drain spot, thus appearing to be leaking from the bowl drains.

Anyhow, whatever issues you run into, we're here for ya I'd have never dared wrenching on a gs500 10 years ago if I hadn't been a member of this forum 

Im pretty sure its coming from the plug. I can see a drop forming underneath until i wipe it up.

You could try removing the float bowl and inspecting for any damage to the gasket, any corrosion on the plug, or any foreign objects to clean out.

That requires pulling the carbs. If you search around here you will find prime describing how to do it and some pictures, too.  After you do it a couple times you'll see, it is dead simple.

Update: Not much.... I sprained my ankle last week so I haven't done anything to the bike  . Still have to check the air filter box (I have new filter waiting to be dropped in). I did replace the spark plugs though while grilling steaks the other day (50 degrees FTW). Hoping to take a look at the airbox this weekend and fire it up to see if there are any additional problems.

My left carb keeps letting out a drop or two of gas out of the drain. I have a rag to catch it and it isn't much, but would it be worth it to replace the screw? I did some searching on the forum and found Bikebandit has them for $4.03 each plus shipping. Figured I would get two and replace both.