Found Oil on the Engine - Need Advice

[rexolio]

I'm not a mechanic, especially when it comes to motorcycles. My GZ is my first and I haven't had it a year yet. I can change the oil and do things if told how, but that's about it.

I noticed yesterday that on the left side of the engine, there's oil. Obviously this is no where near where you ad oil, so it has to be coming from someplace it should not. I'm hoping someone can tell me what it is or advise me as to what I need to check. I've attached 2 photos.

Thanks in advance, bros!

[adrianinflorida]

It's seems to be either the "Manufacturing Oil" one of the guys mentioned started to leech out onto the cooling fins on his bike. If it's a legitimate leak, it looks like it might be coming from the exhaust header area, and blowing back along the fins (Front to back).

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by adrianinflorida

It's seems to be either the "Manufacturing Oil" one of the guys mentioned started to leech out onto the cooling fins on his bike.

That would probably be ME.....and a couple of other guys too. :cool:

Don't panic! First clean it off and see if it comes back.

If it is the assembly lube that is cooked on, it might be hard to remove. I finally took some oven cleaner on a Q-tip to get mine off.....and then rinsed thoroughly.

What year bike and how many miles ??

[rexolio]

Thanks guys!

The bike is a 2006 with about 5200 miles on it (haven't paid attention lately - that's a ballpark).

I'll try some over cleaner to get it off and then see if / how soon it comes back.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rexolio

I'll try some over cleaner to get it off and then see if / how soon it comes back.

It probably won't. That looks pretty much like mine did.......also an '06 with about the same mileage. I noticed it on a trip.......to Georgia !! :biggrin:

[rexolio]

Uh oh! So it may not be anything to worry about?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rexolio

Uh oh! So it may not be anything to worry about?

Guilty.......of assuming too much and not explaining properly.

Assembly lube is a protectant that they put on parts to keep them from corroding while they sit in a warehouse or on the bike before it is sold. They clean most of it off when the bike is put together but it is transparent and they often miss some.

It becomes brown and somewhat crusty when "cooked" by the heat of the engine over time.

So, yes, it probably is NOT anything to worry about. I had two shops look at it before I believed them but once cleaned off, it has not returned. :cool:

[Sarris]

Got it off mine with a stiff brush and bumper sticker remover. Then a wash. It never came back.

[rexolio]

Great. Thanks guys... I'll do my best to get it cleaned off and then watch it!

Now I've got to get my battery charged or replace it. Tough times, so not thrilled about replacing it, but I roll started it yesterday, drove it around for 20 minutes, let it idle for another 5 and still had no power. For whatever reason, I keep forgetting to turn the stupid key off! See, I'm such a newbie!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by rexolio

For whatever reason, I keep forgetting to turn the stupid key off!

MOST people solve that "problem" by turning the BIKE off with the ignition switch !!! :roll:

Worth a try at recharge. Take it out, take to a battery shop for an overnight slow charge, couple of hours rest and then a load test.....OR ......get a charger and do it yourself. Know anybody who has one ?? The starter motor provides a good load test.

The bad news IS......if you have run it down more than once, it might be done for.
Good luck!