Small oil leak on cooling fins

[antipeterleague]

Hey guys, just popped the metal plate off, and its clear that the leak is happening from within that nook, probably from that rubber hose/tube. I just don't know what it is, or how to work in there really.

[5th_bike]

That "rubber hose/tube" is the spark plug wire. You can just pull it straight (along its length axis) off the spark plug to have a better look. [Note: If you ever should unscrew the spark plug, you probably will at some point - clean around it first, otherwise dirt/sand could fall into the cylinder and cause major damage.]

You see the dark bolts - near the top of the picture, on the right, and one on the left, hiding behind the black chrome-piece-holder - those are amongst the ones that you need to torque. There should be more of them, not on the picture.
Do you have a torque wrench? If not, do get one -they're already for around $25 at sears, with a needle that indicates the force. These small bolts do not require much force, but do require the right torque.

Do *not* over tighten with or without a torque wrench... you will ruin the thread$$$$$ in the head !

Originally Posted by raul10141964

I have the same leak on my 2001 and it is coming from the valve cover, but the leak is so slow that I'm planing to wait until it becomes a problem

The valve covers have no gaskets, but a rubber o-ring. Just order a new one and that leak will be fixed. Or, there could be some dirt at the existing one, or the torque on the valve cover bolts is too low.

[antipeterleague]

Damn looks like I'll need to remove the tank for this. What do I do afterwards though? Is the leak coming from this spark plug wire or could it be coming from elsewhere in that nook? Also what is the proper torque for tightening those bolts? Is thÃ*y all I need to do? What can I use to clean up the mess left behind? Sorry for all the questions.

[OldNTired]

Originally Posted by antipeterleague

Damn looks like I'll need to remove the tank for this. What do I do afterwards though? Is the leak coming from this spark plug wire or could it be coming from elsewhere in that nook? Also what is the proper torque for tightening those bolts? Is thÃ*y all I need to do? What can I use to clean up the mess left behind? Sorry for all the questions.

STOP!
Before you do anything else,
download the manual from this site, and
at least get familiar with what terms you are using,
where certain parts are located, and get at least a
general feel for what you are working with.
It also lists ALL torque specs that you will need.
I can see nothing but disaster in the future
without some knowledge on your side.
Not trying to be mean, or to insult you,
but most folks on here use the manual a lot
and it only makes you smarter and the 'fix'
happen a lot sooner and better.
We are all eager to help you,
but you need to do your part as well.
Even if you take the bike to a garage sometime in the future,
the knowledge will help keep you from getting ripped off.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by antipeterleague

Is the leak coming from this spark plug wire

No. The spark plug wire is what it says it is. A wire (cable) carrying electrical current to the spark plug.

[antipeterleague]

I thought I had the manual but the one posted here is way more in depth! Thanks for the tip oldntired

And thanks for clearing that up alantf

[GZ250]

Again the thing is to clean and get rid of the old junk and oil residue and then you will be able to figure out where the leak is. use kerosene oil and a brush to wash everything away. if you pull this black wire up, you will see a single spark plug. Clean this nook with the spark plug, head and fins, valve covers and all the area around. if you remove the tank you will see everything easily. After cleaning with oil you can wash with water or without that start the bike. It will burn the oil away and then you can go for the leak.


PS: it seems that you are very new to the machines or bike, so first get get used to the names and parts and then do anything. I would suggest do not try tightening even with a torque wrench at this stage. First clean the area and see if you can figure out yourself or get some help from a friend or a shop. It is very easy to ruin something. Careful learning is another thing.

[antipeterleague]

Great. I'll get on it after work and report back. Thanks a bunch!

[mrlmd1]

If you dust the area with talcum powder you can easily spot the exact location of an oil leak.

[antipeterleague]

Update: just sitting on my driveway after cleaning the area, riding around the block and a bit of revving, took the tank back off but no sign of any leak. Putting the tank back on for another run.