Oil leak

[xr400guy]

I am very concerned about all of the posts I have read regarding broken oil sumps at the bottom of the engine.
My last ride encountered some bottoming out on rocky terrain and have since then started noticing small oil puddles under the bike after every ride.
I took off the skid plate (which has no noticeable dents) and a film of oil on the top surface, but saw no cracks or leaks from the engine.
I took the bike out for a good ride without the skid plate and parked it to see exactly where the oil is coming from.
The next day there were oil spots below the 2 rubber hoses. Where do these hoses go? is it normal to have oil coming out of them?
The engine oil is at the correct level, so that is not it.

 

[klunsford]

could it be coolant instead of Oil? Or break fluid?

 

[buffalodave]

Those hoses are vent lines for the fuel system. Completely normal to have a little fuel/vapor "leak" out as fuel expands in tank. Has nothing to with engine oil. ::021::

 

[klunsford]

Good point buffalodave, I didn't look at the picture very close. Those are the vent hoses form the gas tank. Are you on a full tank when you park it?

 

[ADVFireFighter]

Did/do you top off when fueling?
If it's coming from those hoses, it can ONLY be fuel...
They connect to the bottom of the fuel tank.
If it's oil on the plate/leaking, it's coming from somewhere else.

 

[buffalodave]

If you purchase an ST in California, your bike comes with a charcoal canister to catch any fuel or vapor that is vented out. Just another thing to add weight and go wrong IMHO.

 

[xr400guy]

ok..I got down and dirty and took a closer look. There is oil on the bolts that secure the bottom case. it is in the same area as the skid plate mount. looking at the mount, this is the corner that took the hit. I must have bent the alum case and unseated the gasket. do not see any cracks in the aluminum.
Will try to tighten the allen screws and see if it helps.
YAMAHA: a really shitty designed skid plate mount. It looks like the entire aluminum mounting post could be pushed up into the engine and make a nice hole.
The good news: no dents in the skid plate made by ricochet.

 

[dcstrom]

YAMAHA: a really shitty designed skid plate mount. It looks like the entire aluminum mounting post could be pushed up into the engine and make a nice hole.

A hacksaw will make quick work of that - I cut mine off a few days ago. No need for it if not mounting the Yamaha skid plate (I have H&B - even with nothing mounted to it, there is still a danger of a big whack on the plate that will push the mounting post through into the engine) I think I saw somewhere that the casting down into the mount is hollow for a bit, so if you're doing this, don't cut it off too flush. I did mine about 2mm above the threaded hole.

 

[tomatocity]

FISHCAT, have you contacted the service department at your dealership? They might have a simple solution.

 

[NoMorBills]

Hollow Yes. But you should cut it off high enough so it is never aproblem again.
The sump cover is easy to remove and any welding shop can fix up the hole.
Yours is probable already cracked!

Just part of Bomb Proofing !

 

[xr400guy]

Wow this all seems quite drastic.
How does one secure the skid plate now ?

 

[dcstrom]

Wow this all seems quite drastic.
How does one secure the skid plate now ?

I don't think you said, but sounds like you have the Yamaha skidplate? In that case, if you cut this cast mount off, you'll have to do all Yam skidplate owners a big favor, and devise an alternative mounting system.

 

[xr400guy]

the skid plate is made by ricochet doesn't even have a dent in it

 

[NoMorBills]

Goes to show you what a bad mounting system can do. The protection is only as strong as the weakest link. It could be 1/4" steel plate, but if it is mounted to the sump then guess what??