oil leak under left side cylinder bam...

[Korea Man]

HI guys....have a leak from under the left side of the bike...it looks like its coming froma a bolt head under the left cylinder bank...the oil is reletively clean, not burnt and no water or radiator fluid...It seems to be coming from a bolt head under the left cylinder bank....is this a secondary oil drain hole? I would put a pic here but at work....can anyone help?..I'll write with a better explanation later....any read ahead would be great as to what to look for specifically...

[DenverDave]

My first guess would be the shifter seal, replaced mine last year. Found a couple of drops of oil, on the ground, under the left side after it was parked for a few days.  Easy fix, pull the gear shift lever(mark its postion) pull the old seal and install the new one. Instructions with pictures posted on th web site


Good Luck
Dave

[LinnB]

I just replaced my shifter seal last week, around $3-4 from the local Honda dealer.  Here's the link on the replacement instructions:

http://lifeisaroad.com/valkshiftseal.html

[Korea Man]

Thanks all...I'll double check it...there was a qoodly amount of oil streaming onto my left boot, along the left underside and then of course backwards to my left side exhaust...after parking for several days; hardly any on the floor...but I would have never suspected that...I'll rip into it this weekend....Thanks guys...on second though perhaps rip isn't the correct word....most likely..I take a second look, replace the seal and go along merrily until it starts to leak again(yes , that's my luck!) Regardless, thanks bunches!!!

[MrKris]

I found the same spots under mine a couple of days ago.  I had noticed some oil/dirt up in that area, and read Daniel Meyer's replacement article, just never thought about it until I saw the actual drips.  I can't have anybody thinking I ride a Harley!!  I just got off the phone with my local dealer, they don't have any in stock.  He had to order them (I went ahead and got 2) and they were just under $6 for both of them.  Should be here early next week.

[Loopie]

What an appropriate thread. Just noticed some oil under the left side about a week ago. Gonna check the shifter.

Loopie

[Patrick]

It doesn't seem like a shifter seal would leak as you said.. But, I go along with the others and it certainly doesn't take long to check it..
For this monster to spew oil on your boot while riding, I'm wondering if some work has been recently performed ??  Has the valve cover recently been removed ??

[Chrisj CMA]

Without knowing how old your bike is.......if any maintenance was recently performed we are all just guessing here.  So, if I were going to guess I would say its a leak around either the valve cover gasket or one of the bolts holding the valve cover on.  These bolts have a rubber bushing and they do shrink up and harden over time.  I had to replace all of mine because one wouldnt re-seal after a valve adjust.

Its common to either forget to put the dab of RTV on the shoulder of the valve cover gasket....or to get the gasket itself misaligned if you have recently had that cover off.  

[Chrisj CMA]

So, what did you find........What! A Valkyrie leaking oil........

[Korea Man]

Thanks so much...but it seems it is greater or a bit different than I
inintially thought. The oil seems to be coming from within the cylinder and is
leaking from the exhaust port out around the header and also weeping out the
weep hole on the muffler. (?) What the heck..I didn't have an opportunity to
start the bike or take  a good look...unfortunately other priorities...I am
now pretty much resigned to take it to the shop....as this is a bit beyond my
expertise....I'll let you know as well as others when I can take a
look...Looks like next week as I will be out of town this week, but will have
access to emails....but the saga goes on....oh by the way did I tell you this
is after a service shop supposedly removed and cleaned an reinstalled my
carbs....not too sure if there is ANY relationship "but it do make me wonder?"

[Chrisj CMA]

Well Korea Man, that is a strange one......just keep in mind that oil migrates and will follow a route to the lowest point.  Many times this gives the impression that it is coming from somwhere its really not.  You are probably correct with your assesement, just double check, its embarrasing to have to pay a shop to tell you it was something simple that you could have fixed

[Korea Man]

The idea about the valve cover was my very first thought...but to come out form the small hole in the muffler? Hmmm as as I said I will look at it later next week...having to go out of town due to work....looking forward to the issue to be solved with the seals for the valve cover...had a similar issue with a 1100 Honda Interstate, different ....Thanks all....and sorry for being such a bother....

[Korea Man]

No no reason to have valve cover removed...had the infamous removal of the carbs to clean the the low speed jets..I had them replace the low speed (#35) by a new set(#38). It seeems to run a bit different(roughr?) but not being able to compare not too sure if that is inharrent to the change or SOMTHING else to deal with. Just doesn't have the "Sewing machine" sound.

Seems that I have open the "Pandors Box" here. But I will not let my baby down. She's been real good until I went to Iraq....maybe she just being vindictive for my absence? LOL! Thanks all.

[Ricky-D]

Without determining the true source of the fluid becomes folly as to the repair.

The fluid from the weep hole in the muffler is water (condensate) and that's why the hole is there.

You may simply have a loose hose clamp and that's antifreeze you find dripping.

Can't imagine motor oil would be clean!

***

[Patrick]

It may be that the pilots were not set for the 38 jets and a sync was not performed.. That could very well be the reason for it sounding and running differently,, but,, shouldn't have anything to do with the leak..

[Korea Man]

To All....

Thanks for all the input...I tasted the leak on the ground - no antifreeze...LOL! Naw, just kidding...but no green fluid...understand the issue about the water as well...but it(the small leakage pool pon the ground) was very slick and oily, most likely the oil pooling from the leak......I hope it's not anything really sucky...I'll just take it to a reputable dealer(?) as I really  don't have the time, I have the ability but not really wanting to delve into it....most likley it really is the valve cover...we'll have to see...anybody close want  to help me pull the carbs (again!) or help synch them? Something that was supposed to have been done by a "good mechanic."  I mean they were recomended by a well intentioned friend..(non - Valk rider - there was my mistake)Ouch!
Honestly, I really appreciate all the expertise and suggestions here. This is absolutely the best place to seek answers about our beloved Lady!