Triumphrat

DrMath · 11-15-2005

:???: Was going over the bike this weekend and noticed alittle oil leaking on the bottom of the crankcase. Not dripping (not drops on the garbage floor anyway) but residue and damp to the touch.

I know the old Triumph were legendary from leaking oil, but I figured the build quality of the new bikes are on par with the Japanese and Europeon bikes.

Should I be concerned (the bike T100 is eight months old with 4000 miles)?

Has anyone encountered this? Is it a simple gasket rplacement or tightening of the bolts on the crackcase?

I imagine it would be covered under warrenty if I bought it in to the dealer.

Any feedback would be greatly welcome.

billstokes · 11-15-2005

Try cleaning everything in the area of the suspected leak, especially above where you're finding oil. Then monitor the situation, to try to see where the leak (if there is one) really is. Maybe you're just seeing road spray residue. It also can't hurt to check to ensure that all the engine side cover bolts are properly tightened. If you really had a leak, I think tht you'd be seeing drops of oil on your garage fllor.

Bill

DrMath · 11-15-2005

Thanks for the speedy reply Bill. What do you mean by road spray residue. Just grime blew up from the road. If so it's definitely not that. I detail my bike weekly and just noticed it. It is fresh oil not the black residue. It seems to originate around the trans and behind the oil filter (I did check that and the plug).

I think I'll put it on the jack this weekend and take a hard close look.

Sheepdog · 11-15-2005

My '03 T100 likewise developed a leak that was due to a bad seal on the clutch actuating shaft (where it penetrated the left primary cover). A new seal was installed under warranty and I've not had any trouble since. Don't be too concerned...I've found this bike to be remarkably reliable and built to a quality standard.

billyzinc · 11-15-2005

i had some initial concerns about oily looking grime too. i kept riding it and the oil level never went down. realized later it was just a combination of chain lube and cosmoline.

ssjones · 11-15-2005

Some counter-shaft seals are prone to leaking a few drips. Mine does it occasionally. Definitely don't overfill the oil, seems to increase the chance this seal will leak. I had my oil filled to the top of the site glass, changed and used the top mark instead. My occasional drip stopped. I have a new seal waiting, but the drips have stopped.

joerockhead · 11-15-2005

I had a similar situation that turned out to be a leak from the output shaft seal, which was quickly remedied under warranty. Reading this forum and the New Triumph Bonneville forum has led me to the conclusion that these leaks are not uncommon on newer bikes.

I was also disappointed and concerned but have ridden over 1000 leak free miles since the repair, and am now ready to resume plans for modifications instead of worrying about an oil leak. My advice is to take it to the dealer without cleaning it first so they can track down the source of the leak.

JR

DrMath · 11-15-2005

:-D Everyone thanks for the great advice. I think I'll bring it to the dealer this week and have them fix it under warrenty.

Once again thanks.

CYNCRZR · 11-16-2005

Dr. M.

Before you head off to the dealer, check and see if it's not the oil drain from the airbox.

The crankcase vents to the airbox, and at the very rear and bottom of the airbox it drains into a piece of polyvynal tubing thats held in place by a spring clamp.

I pulled my airbox this weekend and found the the bottom of the airbox was full of oil and then discovered this drain tube, that was likewise full of oil... it's possible your oil weep could be coming from there.

It's not a great design since on CA bikes the tube is completeley hidden by the vapor recovery canisters & gettin to it to empty it is likely to be a major pain in the arse.

But give it a look. easiest way to tell if it's full would be to remove the air-filter cover and inspect for oil in the airbox.

As for oil in the airbox goes, it just illustrates that we don't want to overfill the crankcase, cuz the extra ends up there.

Hope this helps, Cyn-

[ This message was edited by: CYNCRZR on 2005-11-16 08:56 ]

DrMath · 11-17-2005

:-D CYNCRZR, thanks for the advice. I'll do that just as a sanity check. Good news is I called the dealer and he didn't even ask for details, just said bring it in.