Need quick advice re: oil leak

[JustinM]

This is in regards to an 07 model. I have a manual on the way, but it may be another week before it arrives so anyone with advice or the correct procedure to fix this is appreciated.

Here's the issue: On the right side of the engine there is a round plug(?) about 3 inches or so round that has what looks to be a 17mm nut in the center of it. It is located right in the center of where the crankshaft would be. This "seal" has recently begun to leak oil and its getting worse quickly.

Does anyone know if this is a repair that simply involves removing the nut? I'm afraid that there may be something behind it like uhm, a flywheel....or?

Thanks!

[Martin_R]

The small round cover is for accessing the end of the crank for checking timing marks & turning engine while doing valve maintenance. You can undo it without anything else going to pieces. Some oil might leak, but if you have the bike on sidestand the loss should be minimal.

18Nm is the right torque when you have replaced the O-ring and are tightening cover back on.

[shane Liberty]

Agreed. It is an inspection cover and is designed to be removed often to rotate the crank to TDC for valve clearance checks.


Put your bike on a rear stand or pad underneath the kickstand to get it as level as possible to insure that you have no oil seepage when you unscrew the cover to replace the seal. You won't have a lot of oil come out, but that area does receive oil while running and there will be a small amount collected behind the cover. If you are not comfortable putting the bike up level, just put a pan or old rag under the motor right under the plug.

[JustinM]

Very appreciated! Thanks a lot.