Oil leak question

[offcenter]

On my '76 GL-1000, I noticed a steady slow oil leak.
On the very rear end of the engine, there is a circular
black cover. Near the bottom of that cover is what appears
to be a vent hole or weep hole. I'm getting slow ooz of oil
out of there that is messing up my engine and my floor.
Does anyone know what's behind that black cover, or
what the hole is for? ....and why would it be leaking oil?
Thanks guys.

[terryt]

Hi sounds like the clutch oil seal gone, is the engine oil level high as this could cause this easy and cheap fix but the engine has to come out

[offcenter]

Yes, I think the oil level is high. I'll check it.
I'll read up on replacing the seal. Thanks!

[Placerville]

Agree with terryt regarding the source of the oil leak but, the engine does not have to come out to replace that seal. There's a tutorial here at the NGW on the replacement of that seal with the engine in the frame. While there, I suggest you read through this tutorial as well. I've not heard that a 'high' oil level would cause that seal to leak. ('High' meaning, at the highest level line you can fill the crank case?) If so, that wouldn't cause a problem. However, if you're filling your crankcase past that line, you'll have other problems to contend with. Pull you clutch cover, clean the area then look for your leak. I suspect you find the leak at the seal below the clutch arm in the photo below.

[offcenter]

Thanks, Placerville! Great links. I really appreciate the help.

[Placerville]

You're welcome. We vintage GL owners are lucky to have forums such as these.

[Old Fogey]

There is another possibility for the leak, especially if the seal is poor. It's possible for the oil level in the clutch housing only to be too high. The cause is identified here, but the fix means an engine out job I'm afraid.

http://www.wingovations.com/#/scavenge- ... 4568639332

[Placerville]

There is another possibility for the leak, especially if the seal is poor. It's possible for the oil level in the clutch housing only to be too high. The cause is identified here, but the fix means an engine out job I'm afraid.

http://www.wingovations.com/#/scavenge- ... 4568639332

Excellent info. from a true GL Guru. (And, offcenter, I hope this isn't your problem.)

[offcenter]

I hope so too. I just got back to this thread and found the updated info.
I really appreciate it, guys.