Gosh darn oil leak

[Canwegoridenow]

Hello everyone! I have a question that may or may not spark debate but who doesn't love a good debate huh!?! I have a 1988 GL1500 and I have done lots of work to get it to where it is currently, including spark plugs, belts, coolant change and oil change. Oh, and that brings me to my issue. I changed my oil to synthetic and started to develop leaks. I had one from the gear shift lever and now I have one from a place I cannot find for the life of me. I am not a mechanic and love the bike...really do not want to get rid of it. I guess my question is, does anyone think I can switch back to conventional and stop the leaks that way or am I too far past that? It doesn't leak enough to not be ridden but I don't want to make it much worse. Please help!

[GD2]

If you are going to own one of these bikes, it's hard to avoid being a mechanic, even if it is just for basic jobs. But the good news is that between this forum and Youtube you can find almost any info you need.

I don't think I would give up on the bike just yet. The gear lever leak is fixable and I think that eventually you will track down the other one. Maybe wash the bike really good so you can try and trace the leak back to it's origin point? I don't think the bike will explode if you switch back to conventional oil. But I don't know if the leaks will stop. Usually they only get worse.

[Canwegoridenow]

GD2 You Rock. I appreciate any and all feedback. I have done a good amount of loving maintenance to this bike but man this new leak is getting to me. Since you're here, maybe I can bother you with another question. Is it possible for an oil leak (small or big) to cause the bike to run hot like above the halfway mark? I changed the coolant and the water pump at the same time and now it runs a bit hot but oddly enough, it did not run hot until this leak showed face. My uneducated guess makes me believe that it could be thermostat related. Well anyways thank you GD2 and everyone else for your help!

[GD2]

I wish I could be MORE helpful, but there are a lot of guys who are really knowledgeably on this forum - more-so than me for sure.

(I'm just the guys who tries all the stuff everyone says not to do.)

[Fuzzyswing]

On my 1988 1500 it developed a oil leak
From the alternator o ring. After replacing the alternator with a aftermarket one. Ordered a new oem o ring and it is good!

[Canwegoridenow]

Fuzzy thanks for the reply. I haven’t had to change that yet (knock on wood) and I hope I don’t have to any time soon but I will for sure keep this in mind. I really believe what happened is that synthetic oil was too much for My bike. No need to start a debate lol just my opinion. But thanks again Fuzzy.

[sidecarwilliam]

The syn. oil has nothing to do with your leak. Switching back will not fix your leak.
You do need to find the leak. Bare in mind that oil runs down and back and go look.
A good wash will help you find the leak.
Good luck,

bill.

[Rambozo]

The temp will change all the time based on conditions. This is because the thermostat and the fan switch are set to very different temps. Typically going down the highway at speed, the temp will cycle about the thermostat set point (80C about 1/4 to 1/3 on the gauge). However, when not moving fast enough the temp will climb and cycle about the fan set point (100C about 2/3 to 3/4 on the gauge). As long as the fans go on and off and hold temp, that is the normal operation.

Fix the shifter shaft leak. (adding a shifter brace is a good idea and will keep this from happening again)
Then clean it up and look for any other leaks. Sometimes a leak can blow oil to places you would never think of going down the road. No point in looking until you fix the one you know about.

[FM-USA]

IF your leak is running under the engine, look at the (faux) oil pan fins.
If they're gunked up it's not helping to cool the oil & will raise the coolant temperature.

Check your radiators intake side. Look closely, even a light coating of dirt will slow the heat exchange.
That kitchen "Miracle Elixir" DAWN, spray watered down mix on the radiators front, let sit a few minutes & rinse.
Might take 2 cleanings but that stuff seemingly works wonders on dirty fingernails... with the proper brush.


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[Canwegoridenow]

I love you man, something to look into over the weekend. Thank you!

IF your leak is running under the engine, look at the (faux) oil pan fins.
If they're gunked up it's not helping to cool the oil & will raise the coolant temperature.

Check your radiators intake side. Look closely, even a light coating of dirt will slow the heat exchange.
That kitchen "Miracle Elixir" DAWN, spray watered down mix on the radiators front, let sit a few minutes & rinse.
Might take 2 cleanings but that stuff seemingly works wonders on dirty fingernails... with the proper brush.


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