Gearbox oil leak
 

Hi all

I have just discovered that the oil dripping from my gearbox is emanating from a hairline crack running about 5-8mm up the oil drain plug boss.

Aaaaaagggggh!!!

It wasn't leaking before I had the rear end stripped, greased, new clutch etc at my local dealer prior to my RTW trip. Anyway, they of couse deny all knowledge and responsibility, and it is of course very hard to prove otherwise. Particuarly as the bike has been off the road since the work was done in April. I only found the cause of the leak last week, assuming it was just a dodgy crush washer.

I reckon that the thread on the drain plug is quite a bit longer than the crack, and so if I thread tape the plug, it should seal. Assuming of course that the crack doesn't get any bigger on my travels.

I could of course, buy a new casing, recon gearbox, ally weld or araldite but I'm setting off for Aus in 4 weeks and don't really want to start stripping things down at this late stage unless absolutely necessary.

I know it's a long shot but has anyone else had this problem on a BMW, and how was it resolved.

Cheers




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Sean

FWIW - fix it.

No way I'd head off on a rtw with a dodgy drain and cracked box - you'll end up having to fix it in the back of beyond...

I'd bite the bullet and pull the gearbox - perhaps working on the dealer to get some assist here - and get it welded properly. SHOULD be able to do it without opening up the box. MIGHT be able to do it without even pulling the box (you didn't say what model) - just draining it and leaning the bike well over so a GOOD aluminum welder can get at it. Find one and show it/discuss it with him first.

Remove the battery, pull the gas tank and run the carbs dry, and you can lay it right over.


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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi Grant

After asking around the local shops, I haven't been able to find a recommended ally welder who I could trust with the job in my area.

So, the gearbox is coming out and I'm either going to have an engineer put in an insert or, if this isn't possible, swap the box for a re-conditioned unit, and fix my box when I get back.

Just what I didn't need at this stage but, hey! That's bikes....

Thanks

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Sean