Leaky gasket… of course.

[River Rat]

So, since I began my new “hobby” I have come to realize that problems are not uncommon and that’s just the nature of these builds..onward and upward as they say…however THIS issue has me wondering whether (a) I could fix this myself or (b) I need to contact seller (Walmart) and push for a new motor.. I noticed a couple days ago that it LOOKED like one of the main cylinder gaskets was leaking…so yesterday wiped it off well and went for a quick ride…seems like leak confirmed…thoughts??

 

[DAMIEN1307]

Have you been retorquing the head in an X pattern every single heat cycle during the breakin period to 144 inch pounds???

You have to retorque those head nuts on those studs once the motor is totally cold on every single heat cycle for usually the first 200 miles or so.

 

[River Rat]

I’m assuming this is the lower gasket but truthfully I’m finding oily residue on the top too!!

 

[River Rat]

Have you been retorquing the head in an X pattern every single heat cycle during the breakin period to 144 inch pounds???

You have to retorque those head nuts on those studs once the motor is totally cold on every single heat cycle for usually the first 200 miles or so.

No I haven’t been!! Ugh….I did tighten them up (not with torque wrench) last night but haven’t ridden it since…coujdvthus help now? ..or is it too late?

 

[DAMIEN1307]

I’m assuming this is the lower gasket but truthfully I’m finding oily residue on the top too!!

Both the bottom gaskets and the head gasket are pressed into place by torquing those top nuts I previously mentioned, both are reliant on proper tightening.

 

[DAMIEN1307]

No I haven’t been!! Ugh….I did tighten them up (not with torque wrench) last night but haven’t ridden it since…coujdvthus help now? ..or is it too late?

Just keep doing it as previously prescribed...lol...Nope, it is not too late.

Ps...It would behove you to pick up a torque wrench, quarter inch drive in inch pounds is ideal and usually only about 20 bucks USD at Harbour Freight here in the states.

This will prevent you from over tightening as well as under tightening at 144 inch pounds which is only 12 foot pounds of torque.

 

[River Rat]

Just keep doing it as previously prescribed...lol...Nope, it is not too late.

Ps...It would behove you to pick up a torque wrench, quarter inch drive in inch pounds is ideal and usually only about 20 bucks USD at Harbour Freight here in the states.

This will prevent you from over tightening as well as under tightening at 144 inch pounds which is only 12 foot pounds of torque.

Very helpful thank you!! I’m going to buy one TODAY.

 

[Gordy]

You'll find it'll run better with those torqued down too

 

[ImpulseRocket]

if it keeps seeping oil even after re-torquing it may just be the gaskets. Some of the gaskets they sell for these engines seem better at acting as a wick than sealing things. The mating surfaces are also known to be uneven at times and can cause minor seeping while running. There are ways to correct/fix those issues, but I do agree with everybody else that the head bolts are just loose. You will find they work loose easily during break in as the engine heat cycles. Eventually it will slow down, but for now it's a good practice to check them before every ride and only torque them with the engine cold.

 

[River Rat]

if it keeps seeping oil even after re-torquing it may just be the gaskets. Some of the gaskets they sell for these engines seem better at acting as a wick than sealing things. The mating surfaces are also known to be uneven at times and can cause minor seeping while running. There are ways to correct/fix those issues, but I do agree with everybody else that the head bolts are just loose. You will find they work loose easily during break in as the engine heat cycles. Eventually it will slow down, but for now it's a good practice to check them before every ride and only torque them with the engine cold.

This is great info really appreciate the input!! Learning so much about these engines..! Thanks!!