Oil Tank Leak

[Ugarte]

I have had a very small leak from between the oil tank and the engine for a long time but have ignored it because it was very minor. Well, minor went to major recently as oil started puddling on my garage floor. Tonight I took off the oil tank. I didn't notice anything unusual removing it..i.e. loose bolts and the connector tubes were snug but there sure was lots of evidence of leaks at the connecter tubes.

The O rings on the tubes look ok but I am going to assume they are bad or there would not be a leak. I did notice on one of the connector tubes that the oil around it had mixed with water and had a milky color. I checked the oil that I drained and no evidence of water, and no evidence of water in the oil tank. I think it was getting water from the rain.

Anyone else have a leaking oil tank and did changing out the O rings fix it?

 

[Pig9r]

I remember a while back some leaked when new because the o-rings (I believe there are two) weren't seated properly.

Did a quick search and came up with this thread:

http://www.r3owners.net/common-issues/2650-oil-leak.html

 

[Ugarte]

Thanks niner, my search technique must be flawed, or I just missed that one. Looks like new O rings and proper installation will do the trick.

 

[Pig9r]

How many miles you got on it now?

 

[Ugarte]

About 68k. I don't ride nearly as much as I used to, plus I am riding the KLR to work.

The ignition switch failed last week, same problem as what other have experienced, broken solder connection. I took it apart and was surprised at how much crud was in there, and if there was crud moisture must also get in there. I really don't want to repair the old one (don't trust it) or install a new one, I will put back the old one for the steering lock, and do something else for ignition. Ideally, keyless but I don't want to spend 400 bucks for that right now.

I was thinking of just cutting off the wires from the old ignition switch and connecting them to my own toggle switch that I will mount somewhere hidden on the bike. Hey, if anyone has any ideas of stealing my Rocket they will first check out the ignition switch to try and hot wire......won't they be surprised when...

I sure do still love the Rocket, and working on it just makes it more so, what a great design, what a great ride....wow!

 

[rainman]

i had a oil leak on my r3t and thought it was the o rings but it was the headgasket

 

[Pig9r]

Even though your bike is out of warranty they might cover the ignition switch. Some others have had them replaced out of warranty since it is a common issue.

 

[Ugarte]

i had a oil leak on my r3t and thought it was the o rings but it was the headgasket

What other symptoms did the bike have besides the oil leak? I have had blown head gaskets in cars and there was always loss of radiator fluid, milky oil, and steam out the exhaust, have not seen this yet.

Even though your bike is out of warranty they might cover the ignition switch. Some others have had them replaced out of warranty since it is a common issue.

Its worth a try, the switch is already out so I guess they could just give me another one to install and Triumph wouldn't have to pay for labor.

 

[Pig9r]

I had a head gasket leak also. It was in the rear of the cylinder head. There was just enough oil weaping out to make the back of the cylinder head shiney in the sun. No oil usage or coolant contamination.

 

[rainman]

on my r3t it smoked a little out of the left exhast and leaking oil under the oil tank
on my 06 classic had water leaking at the manifold and smoked out the tail pipes