How to Stop a Motorcycle Oil Leak
by Adrienne Farricelli
An oil leak in your motorcycle may be messy for your driveway, not to mention the fact that over time, it may ruin your engine. If your motorcycle is leaking, your first step is identifying where exactly the leak is coming from before proceeding to getting it repaired. Fixing an oil leak does not require you to be a top expert in motorcycle maintenance. With a few tools and some time invested, you may be able to save yourself a trip to your mechanic.
Step 1
Verify the type of leak you are dealing with. Place a sheet of white paper directly under the leak and assess the color. Engine oil will generally be black, whereas automatic transmission and power steering fluid may be red or dark brown. Washer fluid is blue and antifreeze could be green, gold, orange, brown or blue.
Step 2
Flush dye into the suspected system according to the leak detecting kit instructions. For instance, if you suspect the leak is coming from the engine, you must add the dye to the engine oil and let the engine run for some time before being able to detect the leak.
Step 3
Shine the black light in order to highlight the area of the leak. The exact leak location should appear as an area highlighted by the bright fluorescent yellow or green dye. Now, that the exact area is pinpointed the leak can be addressed.
Step 4
Press a small amount of Seal-All® directly to the leak. Allow to dry according to directions. Verify if the area has stopped leaking. Should the oil leak persist, consult a qualified mechanic.
References
Tips
- Leak detection kits are available at most motorcycle parts retailers.
- There are different UV leak detection kits based on the type of leak you're dealing with.
- Refrigerant leaks and oil-based fluid leaks require different types of dye.
- Clean the engine with a rag and degreaser before searching for the oil leak.
Things You'll Need
- White sheet of paper
- Leak detecting kit
- Black light
- Seal-All®
Warnings
- Never work on your motorcycle when the engine is still warm.
- Not all leaks can be repaired; sometimes defective parts may need replacing.
- When using Seal-All, use only small quantities and make sure you have a good cross-breeze to avoid inhaling too many toxic fumes.
Writer Bio
Adrienne Farricelli has been writing for magazines, books and online publications since 2005. She specializes in canine topics, previously working for the American Animal Hospital Association and receiving certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Her articles have appeared in "USA Today," "The APDT Chronicle of the Dog" and "Every Dog Magazine." She also contributed a chapter in the book " Puppy Socialization - An Insider's Guide to Dog Behavioral Fitness" by Caryl Wolff.
