OIL LEAK ON REAR CYLENDER

[jrwalt1]

12xbss Lightning. I have an oil leak on the rear cylender head, some place. Does anyone know what it could be and how to fix it without rotating the motor? I can't tell if it is the head gasket or the valve cover. It may be something else as there are several lines passing in that area. Anyone have the same problem?

 

[kab]

Check the pcv gasket. You can see it if you remove the inner airbox.

 

[jrwalt1]

Fantstic, thanks for the tip.

 

[kab]

Its #16

 

[cpatt]

got any pic's?

 

[jriffe108]

I have an '08 XB12Scg that developed an oil leak on rear cylinder as well, it ended up being the rocker cover gasket, #10.

Harley has a revised gasket as the factory, Orange, one is too thin and notorious for failing.

Fix it soon as it will ruin your fan if not taken care of quick.

 

[wiznut]

If it is a gasket, the only way to fix it is to drop the motor. It really isn't that bad of a chore. Here is a step by step on rotating http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/How-to-Rotate-your-engine--With-Pics

 

[jimijeans]

Yes more than likely it is the Rocker Cover Gasket. If you do the Rear Might want to go on and do them Both while the Engine is rotated down. Check your 2/speed fan and clean it only with a rag. The link here on the Forum will guide you pretty well. Take your time and check everything you can while the Engine is Rotated Down. I rewrapped my Electrical harness when I did my own so as not to have wearing issues on Harness. Post up if you need to.Welcome to the Forum!*Jimi

 

[c818919]

if its just 16.... you might be able to replace it with just having the air intake off....but be careful its not the rocker cover (10) like Jimi suggested.

 

[jrwalt1]

WOW the DY photos are fantastic. I really appreciate all of your input. Tomorrow I clean and verify were the leak is. Thank all of you so much. I will report back. Jrwalt1...

PS. anyone interested in doing an Iron Butt in Florida on March 15???

 

[jriffe108]

Make sure you use revised part for
replacement and go ahead and do both cylinders
While you're there.

 

[wolfo68]

definitely replace, if it's a head gasket you'd have more going on than just oil. or you will shortly. that's why I don't have a bike right now. and I have a spare fan that looks like I took a torch to it

 

[Buell_Cru]

You don't have to drop the motor to replace the rocker box gasket and it's a fairly simple job if you know how to take puzzles apart and put them back together. You will also need a torque wrench that reads in inch/pounds not foot/pounds.

 

[jriffe108]

You will absolutely have to rotate the engine down to remove the rear cylinder rocker cover. I looked at every possible option to avoid rotating the engine. The clearance just isn't there.

This is on an '08 XB12SCG.

 

[Laroucheyves]

Can I or not replace the rear rocker box gasket without rotating the engine?

 

[thumpin1203]

I had an oil leak on the rear head and it turned out to be the a simple PCV grommet that had shrunk a bit due to the heat and gotten a bit loose allowing oil to seep and run down the rear of the head.. kinda looked like a rocker gasket was bad cause the oil didnt start to coke untill it got down to the hot head.. all I did was put an O-ring in the grommet groove, cleaned all the oil off, and re-installed the PCV.. it was a very snug fit, just what I wanted.. problem solved, no more seep!

 

[stellio78]

jriffe108 do you know if the rocker cover gaskets part # 17362-07B the same for all years?

 

[jriffe108]

Stellio, as far as I know. Thunderstorm heads on mine but the rocker cover is identical to an XL (sportster) so they should all be the same.

Verify with HD parts counter though.

Some of the guys here have had luck with James gaskets.
Might want to look into that as well.

 

[stellio78]

Thanks.

 

[rvdb]

this board is great, I believe I am having the same problem & I searched and found this info with pic's, time to get into it, thanks[up]