XJ550 Oil Leak

Hey guys, got the 550 fired up this weekend and went for a ride. When I got back I noticed a small puddle of oil on the driveway under the left side of the bike where the electronic pickup plates are. I layed down on the driveway and saw a small hole (Square and about a mm in width and length) in the case just behind the pickup plate cover. Oil seems to be coming from there which I assume is a direct passage to where the pickup coils are. I haven't pulled the cover off yet to see if there is oil inside, but thought I would ask you guys about it.

Any ideas?

 

There should be a seal inbetween the crankshaft and the timing plate/disk (I don't remember what this thing is called). You really should pull off that cover!

 

Yeah, the cover is coming off tonight so I can see if there is any oil in the pickup plate area. When I pulled off the pickup plate cover during re-build, I didn't see any signs of oil in there. So I don't think I will see one now, but that square hole has me boggled.

 

You replaced the crank seal when you re-built of course (didn't you? I didn't, what a mess, bad call. Two weeks for a new seal and more work. Gad I can be stupid sometimes). When you installed did you lube the seal lips completely (as in all the way around)? Is it possible one of the seal lips got tucked under? I'm guessing here but I hope to stimulate thought, heaven forbid if I actually do hit the nail here. That square hole, does it happen to be located near the case seam? It is possible it is a pry point for splitting the case (I'm not 550 literate so I'm grasping at straws). I'm out of ideas. Let us know what you find (pictures would be nice).

 

Sorry, I guess I should have been a little clearer. I re-built the bike with the EXCEPTION of the Engine. I had to install a new pickup plate during that process, but I never pulled the engine and re-built. Sorry for the confusion.

P.S. the square hole is located right above the big allen headed cap on the left side of engine just below the pickup plate cover.

 

That square hole is doing it's job. It is a drain hole to allow oil leaking from the crankshaft seal to drain out and not fill the ignition system.

Bad news is, worn cranckshaft seal. Worse news, and I hope I'm wrong, is the seal can only be changed by splitting the crankcase. I'm fairly sure it sits in a U shaped recess.

If this is the case then I would start looking around for some engine stop leak products. Some of the products can condition hardened seals and soften them up a bit. Not sure if these products are available over there but here in Oz we have them.

 

Yeah, we got them here as well. That is what I was afraid of. And it looks like I may have to split the case as after about 15 minutes riding the bike I have to put more oil in. Bummer. Thanks Goon!

 

Don't rush into cracking that case. I've got one in the shed already split in half so I will double check how the seal fits and if it looks like it can be removed without splitting it. Might take me a day or two to get to it though.

 

That would be great Goon! Thanks. Splitting the case is never fun if you don't have to. I will take a quick look tonight, but will wait until I hear back from you before really tearing into it.

 

My FZR had a collared seal for the crank seal and the replacement did not have the collar. I thought I would have to split the case again to pull the seal but I was sucessful at pulling it out (your not saving it so don't hesitate to tear it apart and remove the pieces) in one piece. Just be very cautious of the seal seat and crank seal surface.

 

Well, i pulled off that side cover with the pickup plates and took the advancer plate and pickup plates off and saw a seal where the oil was leaking. pulled the seal and have a new one on the way. Thanks guys!

And PS robert....It IS getting tempting to keep this thing...

 

Yield to temptation... you might just enjoy it. "Love the sinner, you may even enjoy the sin" (Spinal Tap, Break Like The Wind).