Oil Leak

[breakaway]

Hello,

Just got a RG150, and parked it in the garage overnight, and noticed this in the morning:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5133/l2he2.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6131/l1xg3.jpg

I can't tell where it's coming from. Note that this is my first bike, and I know nothing of the mechanics of a bike. Speak slowly and clearly :p

Here are some photos - they may help you pros diagnose the issue.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4650/l3fk1.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1017/l4rm5.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3062/l6th0.jpg
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2983/freshoilep7.jpg

Is this just a simple overflow, or something more serious?

Any help appreciated.

[caesius]

As long as you're sure it's not radiator fluid...

Is this a two-smoke?

[breakaway]

Thats right, 2 Stroke.

[caesius]

Just looked it up and answered my own question. So I guess you're asking yourself is this engine oil or transmission oil? What color is your engine oil?

[breakaway]

The oil I put in the back is blue, and the stain is green, so I'm guessing its transmission oil?

Or Radiator fluid?

[beyond]

Green fluid is normally radiator fluid, unless the fluid you put in the transmission is green as well.

[breakaway]

So is this serious?

[beyond]

Only if the radiator has a small hole or similar. Then the radiator will need reconditioning.

But, firstly check all coolant connections and hose clips and the radiator cap etc.

Sometimes it's cheaper to let the workshop analyse the problem before you spend untold $$$'s and find you still have a problem.

You would normally know if it's coolant if your bike needs topping up but also if you have an expansion tank, ensure the coolant level is not overfilled past the maximum mark. If so, it could be expansion overflow.

[rudolph]

the green fluid on the floor is fresh 2stroke oil i think, some 2 stroke oil is grean

[beyond]

Yep, two stroke oil can be green too.
Check your reservoir for splits or leaks and any lines to the engine and oil pump.

[breakaway]

^ The oil used is blue in color (I went and spilled some right next to the puddle and it was clearly a different color)

I've just been told by the previous owner that it has been doing this ever since he's owned it.

Apparently, "it's the nature of the 2 stroke and you'll always have a leak somewhere".

[rudolph]

that green 2stroke oil is crap, its for outbord motors

[rudolph]

he is telling lies

[breakaway]

he is telling lies

Care to explain?

[rudolph]

no bike should realy leek oil, apart from brit stuf, 2 strokes will be a bit oily here and there but not leek fresh oil, your bike may be fine, my old BSA pisses oil

[Ixion]

He means about the claim that twostrokes always leak.

Usually two smokers are less likely to leak than four strokes.

If the fluid is oil (surely easy to tell if its oil or water, just rub your fingers in it), and it's not your engine oil, then it must be transmission oil - cos theres no other fluid on the bike.

That big a tranny leak could have nasty consequences if left unfixed. Best to find where it's coming from. Peer under the bike, wipe everything clear , go down the drive and back, and peer under again.

[breakaway]

Usually two smokers are less likely to leak than four strokes.

Thats what I thought, but the previous owner was told this by his mechanic. Apparently it is oil, and it's normal, and will be sweet as long as I keep oil in it.

I'll see if I can arrange someone that is experienced to take a look at it.

[Ixion]

It most certainly is not normal. No way should a modern two stroke have any transmission oil leakage. A bit of mist around the exhaust maybe, but the tranny should be completely oil tight
(I'm assuming that it's not dripping off a chain with an over enthusiastic Scott oiler. But that would be black and dirty)

[xwhatsit]

It does seem to be a fair quantity, doesn't it? When my bike was leaking oil due to a not very secure rocker cover, there was less oil than that -- and that was causing great clouds of smoke at traffic lights (ask GiJoe1313). Until you get that sorted I would check oil, transmission and engine, every time before you ride -- it's something you should do anyway, but in reality only anal people do that.

New bike shouldn't do that, despite being a Suzuki.

How to find an oil leak? Get one of those cans of spray-on degreaser (brake clean stuff works OK as well) and get it spotless, then run the bike for a couple of minutes and keep an eye on it.

[caesius]

My two-stroke leaks a hell of a lot of oil (means the bike is "alive" according to a mate) and I still haven't had a problem commuting from Wellington to Hawkes Bay a few times.

You're gonna need to find out exactly what you're leaking first. From what I've seen it looks like radiator fluid. If it *is* oil then it's the first time I've seen green transmission fluid (since you say it's definitely not engine oil).

Personally I'd be in a stress-induced coma at the moment if I'd worried about all the leaks on my bike.

[breakaway]

At this stage I am still quite unsure where the leak is coming from.

I don't think its transmission fluid, and it certainly isn't oil, because the oil is blue.

So that leaves radiator fluid? I've asked Ixion to come and take a look if he can.

[Ixion]

Went and had a look. It's definately oil, thickish oil. It's not as green as the photo, the camera has munged the colour, it's actually a greeny black

Bottom of the motor is liberally oiled up, and looks like it's running down the propstand.

Appears to mainly be coming form the gear change shaft seal, and maybe the sprocket seal (hard to see the latter). Bikes been down of the left side at some stage, so I suspect the gear lever took a clout and either slightly bent the shaft or bruised the seal.

Will definately need to be looked at some time, but won't do anything catastrophic in the short term , while $$ are being saved up etc. Just keep the gearbox topped up.

Speaking of which, can any RG150 owners advise how the transmission oil level is determined. Theres a screw with a fibre washer at the rear of the primary gear case, looks like it might be a level screw. Is it?