1. Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

oil leak location

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by cgutz, Jul 18, 2017.

  1. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    After a ride I have oil on lower right side of engine. The oil drop collects under the bolt housing below and in front of sight glass.

    Using talcum powder it looks like clutch cover main seal. It is dry above this area and behind.

    Anyone have other thoughts?


    4947.jpeg
     
  2. Timbox

    Timbox Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,278
    Likes Received:
    748
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Wisconsin, Tomah
    Looks like you read up how to find it and you did! Now don't over tighten that and brake it off, I know it would cross my mind to jump on that bolt and tighten the heck out of it. The best bet is to drain the oil, take the cover off and either replace the gasket or get some liquid or spray gasket maker and tough up that area of the gasket.

    Also make sure that both surface areas are flat and free of anything that might be sticking up. Little slivers of metal or gasket might have caused the problem in the first place. Take your time and as you pull the cover off, make sure you pull the gasket off slowly and maybe follow it with a nice flat head screw driver and it should pull off in good shape. Keep us posted.
     
    k-moe, Jetfixer and Toomanybikes like this.
  3. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,173
    Likes Received:
    1,485
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nothern Indiana
    Agree with Timbox ... you could try lossening bolt and set to proper torque though just for giggles ..just don't be Moose Cholock with it and over tighten as I recall think they are only like 12 inch pounds ...
     
  4. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,792
    Likes Received:
    1,051
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near Irma, WI
    [​IMG]
     
    Jetfixer likes this.
  5. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    Len,I'm going to need a gasket.....
     
  6. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    Tried this didn't work. Looks like new gasket time. Cover has never been off the bike so it is indeed 34 year old gasket.
     
    Jetfixer likes this.
  7. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    Is it possible to remove the clutch cover on a XJ550 without draining the oil if I use the side stand?
     
  8. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    New clutch cover gasket installed tonight. Old one had small tear/defect at the leaky spot.. Wonder it lasted 34 years.

    Shout out to Chacal for parts and advice.

    So far only a test test ride but no leak.

    Took about 1.5 hours including scraping gasket and oil change.
    Lessons learned:
    1) need razor blade and goo gone to remove old gasket material
    2) mark the bolt locations as they come out as they aren't all the same length :( .
    3) the 2 little posts on the cover gasket area come out...almost lost one in grass and they are used to align cover on engine. :eek:.

    Picture after short test ride:

    5016.jpeg

    Coming next: install new shift shaft seal I also ordered from chacal.
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2017
    Stumplifter likes this.
  9. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    14,626
    Likes Received:
    5,008
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near utica, new york
    Yes....but:

    Yes, you can also do it on the center stand. You'll make a total mess, but it's possible to remove it either way.

    BUT-- if the question i: is it possible to remove the clutch cover without draining the oil AND without losing any of it either, the annswer is still yes, but you can't use the side stand. You'll need to tip it farther to the left side. A sturdy wall and some blankets works well.....done that a couple times.

    (heehee, hey Matti---he said 'butt')
     
  10. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,203
    Likes Received:
    719
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    I ended up draining oil. Due for the mid season change anyway.
     

Share This Page