I've now had my 84 V45 for about a month. She runs great and is an excellent ride, but she leaks oil seemingly from somewhere above the cylinder running down the side of the engine over the case and onto the exhaust. Since I'm not a motorcycle mechanic, can anyone help me diagnose the problem?
Is this the front or rear cylinders?
First guess would be valve cover gasket(s) or the air box vent tube.
As Jeff said, there is a crankcase vent in the valve cover and it will sometimes leak a little do to the blow by.
Thank you Jeff & Greg.
Jeff,
The oil seems to be coming from atop the REAR cylinder.
Greg,
Would the vent blow by enough that I would have oil on the outside of the engine, dripping on the ground? There is enough oil that it gets on the exhaust and smokes. People to point their fingers and cause me a great deal of embarassment.....(snickering)
Well I have not seen one leave drips on the ground. I would wash the engine really good and such and watch closely for the point of exit and go digging to find the source.
I'll do that. Thank you, Greg. I suspect its coming from the valve cover gasket. Has anyone else had this problem on a Magna or any other bike?
Had an 84 V65 that leaked at the valve cover gasket and after replaceing it I didn't have any more trouble. Take your time and work the valve covers out one piece at a time, they can be a real pain to get back in with the new gaskets as well.
Well...after cleaning the engine and detailing the bike this weekend, I drove it to work this morning and can see that the oil is leaking from underneath the right side of valve cover on the rear cylinder. Seems straight forward enough, but I can't see how to get to the valve covers without pulling the tank. Is that right?
Thanks for everyone's help.
It will be easier to remove the tank but not necessary. If your bike stilll has the prop for the tank just use it instead of removeing the tank completely. Remove the spark plug wires for the rear cylinders. Unbolt the coil mounting plate (not the actual coils) and pull it towards the front of the bike and tie it out of the way. Detach and move any lines that will be in the way. Then remove the covers. This is where you might learn new words :D J/K
I appreciate all of the help, Jeff. I got into it a little bit last night, but didn't get as far as actually removing the valve cover. From the maintenance record on this bike, I believe it sat for 9 years or so, was maybe ridden a little and then sat again for awhile before it became available to me. I'm guessing the valve cover gaskets went bad during the time it was sitting. Can someone point me in a direction to find valve cover gaskets for this bike?
Try some of the online sources such as www.partsfish.com or www.hondaparts-direct.com should be able to find them and get a better price vs dealership.
Service Honda //www.servicehonda.com
Look for the interactive pricing page or go here (http://www.servicehonda.com/parts.php) and you will need the part number, 12391-MB0-000 (84 model) or 12391-MB0-010 (84-85 model).
Greg & Jeff,
You guys have been a great help. I found the parts I need on all 3 sites that you guys gave me. I'll enter a paarts request to check stock in the morning. Can hardly wait to get into it and get it fixed. BTW...what new words will I be learning while I work on the bike??? *lol*
Rear valve cover is off. It really wasn't that bad. In fact the only words I "learned" I discovered not in removing the cover, but instead when the 23 year old fuel hose cracked while I had the tank propped up an spewed what fuel was left in the tank all over my garage floor. I'll keep you guys posted on the progress.
I meant to mention that but since I've only had one fuel line bust on me I didn't. Sorry about that. :oops: Do you need the part number for a new one? Seems I remember someone buying bulk hose and cutting it to fit instead of buying the Honda part but it fails me as to who it was.
I know that everyone has anxiously been awaiting an update to this thread, RIGHT?....lol Well, ordered the gaskets and replacement filler tube I needed and they arrived at the house on Wednesday. I had already taken the rear valve cover off, but with football practice, football games and in-laws visiting, it was Saturday afternnon before I coud get to work. Short story....the installation of both the front and rear valve cover gaskets went very smoothly. I re-installed the radiator, replaced the torn filler tube and re-attached everything else. My wife and I went for a ride to the thrift store in Temple, (her favorite place to shop), bought a rattan couch and then rode back home. (For those wondering, I went back later with the truck to PU the couch....). The bike got a thorough cleaning, chamois, wax, polish and everything. She's parked in the parking lot at work now and there is not one drop of oil on the engine......Yeah....!
Thank you Greg and Jeff for all of the advice, leads on parts and encouragement.
Hope to meet everyone soon...
Glad to hear you accomplished the task!!!!!!