small oil leak

[Troll]

I guess most people would want it to be as invisible as possible...The idea of coins over the repair sounds interesting, though.

[1999 Drifter]

After reading the link from Troll and drifter -paul I have just a couple of questions

do I require an object to place over the cam bore plug or do I just seal around the edge

would it not be better to cover the whole plug area with Permatex brand, Ultra Black, High-Temp RTV Silicone Gasket Maker making it flush with the rest of the head

Thanks
Tim

[1999 Drifter]

that's why I love this forum and you guys are awsome, thanks so much

Thanks
Tim

[Troll]

Try this link: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/329/cat/57
These are commonly called cam bore plugs. Just about every single and dual OHC engine with an alloy head has at least 1, and sometimes 2. As an example, a Lotus twin cam engine has one at each end of the head for a total of 4. The big difference between the internal chain drive engines (like ours) and the external belt drive engines, like a Ducati, is that the drive end has a seal, like an axle seal, and the internal chain engines do not.

[1999 Drifter]

drifter-paul ....thanks for your reply but for the life of me I can't find it, if you happen to find it could you copy and paste to my e-mail....mmm.dempster@sympatico.ca

Thank you
Tim

[drifter-paul]

Dear Tim,
There is a mod in the forum re leaking inspection plugs -  involves silastic, a tiny (dental type) mirror  - any auto shop, solvent , rags, and and lots of patience. The Forum-recommended silastic - although called black - is actually grey and stays that colour when set. The original plug is sealed with silastic - so you just need a high temperature one, preferably Black black to save touch up painting. Apply it around the rim of the plug as it sits in the bike - no dismantling required - just fiddly to get looking inconspicous ! This worked with my right one. Will redo both
and use two polished up 1999 50 cent pieces - this will save wiping the excess off. These are octagonal  and I'll position them so just the year and the word "Australia" will be visible at the bottom. Anyone asks, I'll tell them it's a special edition model.     

[1999 Drifter]

Well went for a ride today 75mi with multiple stops along the way and know sign of any oil leaking....the bike Gods are shinning down on me for now
Tomorrow I have another planned ride so I shall report when I return

[1999 Drifter]

Ok this is what I suspect is the problem,  it is a plug in the cylinder head possibly called a inspection cover plug it's located just above the spark plug hole on the right side part #2066 at kawasakipartsnation.com

Has anyone changed this part or knows how... could you provide some insight...it looks like a major job (possible engine removal) for under $25 in parts

Thanks

ps ....the popping or backfiring was due to that I forgot to connect the neg wire of the power commander to the battery when I was cleaning the battery terminals....dah

[1999 Drifter]

I looked and looked couldn't find anything in mods and tips ....would this sound like a head gasket ? ..and with a leaky head gasket would this cause the popping on decel........and while the bike was idling for 1 or 2 minutes and I was checking things out the fan came temp 39F which I thought was odd for being that cool outside

Thanks for your help

[chief]

Have a look in the mods/tips section of the website, under engine/performance. There are a couple of articles which may be of help.

[michaelh42]

I have the same thing at 24k. I was going to work on it this winter.  Looked around a little bit but have not found the source yet.  Not enought to drip but make everything wet.  Hope someone else has an idea. Will make searching later easier
Michael

[1999 Drifter]

noticed a small amount of oil on the right front cylinder fins (2) any ideas also a significant amount of popping on deceleration 19,000 miles
any ideas welcome