Oil leak

16-04-2018, 07:43 PM

I’ve had a slow oil leak since having the bike returned from annual service but I can’t seem to trace it.
The cylinder heads look ok from the sides and there’s no oil coming down from them.
Bit unsure of the two engine bolts at the bottom of the case could be the issue or even possibly the filter?
I also noticed when it was sub 5 deg the drop of oil that sits at the bottom of the block was bigger, which obviously makes sense if the leak is coming from a broken seal.

rollo22 · 16-04-2018, 07:50 PM

Probably the filter give it a tweak.

16-04-2018, 07:51 PM

That’s what I’m hoping as the oil was not present prior the service.

Mr Gazza · 16-04-2018, 08:13 PM

Ironically genuine Ducati filters are, or were at one time prone to leaking, due to the rubber gasket not being as tall as the rolled edge of the filter, so they could only be tightened against the rolled edge with minimal gasket contact.

If you have a Ducati filter I would suspect that first, otherwise a tighten up by hand might do the trick as advocated by Rollo.

Flip · 16-04-2018, 08:24 PM

Yep genuine Ducati oil filters of the last couple of years have been crap - previously I’ve never had an issue with them but I’ve seen them leaking on a few bikes now- last was a lovely 996 that spewd oil over the back tyre which if it hadn’t been noticed while parked up could easily have ended in tears.

16-04-2018, 08:30 PM

Thanks chaps.
It was a Ducati service so I’m of the mind to purchase a K&N myself and ask them to fit it in place of the part they fitted - that being said if it is their filter that’s the issue will they use anything else other than another Ducati filter?

22-04-2018, 06:47 PM

I cleaned off the oil today and it looks like it may be originating from the front cylinder head.

utopia · 22-04-2018, 10:24 PM

The origin of oil leaks can sometimes be difficult to trace unless you adopt a definite plan of action .. basically clean everything up religiously and then observe very closely over a period of time.
Trouble is both gravity and wind pressure will move the oil about, so you need to inspect it stationary with engine running or after a very short ride.
From the location of the gunge I would say that it doesn't point strongly to the filter.
On the other hand, you have just had that changed at a service so its got to be a suspect initially.
I would remove it anyway and check that the previously mentioned seal fault isn't present, before tightening it properly.
In fact first of all I might see if it can be loosened by hand, particularly if you don't own a suitable filter wrench.

You say that the leak only appeared after the service.
Did you have the valve clearances done ?
If so, and if the leak is from the head area, I suppose its possible that a seal has failed on a valve inspection cover.

Are the oil lines to and from the cooler clean ?
There is always the possibility of a leak blowing backwards from there.

You could always take it back to whoever serviced it.

23-04-2018, 04:37 AM

Thanks Utopia
The valve clearances were done so it could well be that then...
I have not considered the oil cooler tbh. I will observe it this week

The garage have agreed to take it back, but for my own learning I would really like to find the leak first. I can take it back to them to be dealt with if the leak originates from work they carried out.

16-04-2018, 07:43 PM	#1
Miky Guest Posts: n/a	Oil leak I’ve had a slow oil leak since having the bike returned from annual service but I can’t seem to trace it. The cylinder heads look ok from the sides and there’s no oil coming down from them. Bit unsure of the two engine bolts at the bottom of the case could be the issue or even possibly the filter? I also noticed when it was sub 5 deg the drop of oil that sits at the bottom of the block was bigger, which obviously makes sense if the leak is coming from a broken seal. Last edited by Miky; 16-04-2018 at 07:49 PM..

16-04-2018, 07:50 PM	#2
rollo22 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moreton-in-Marsh Bike: M1100evo Posts: 1,082	Probably the filter give it a tweak. __________________ IF ALL ELSE FAILS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

16-04-2018, 08:13 PM	#4
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,806	Ironically genuine Ducati filters are, or were at one time prone to leaking, due to the rubber gasket not being as tall as the rolled edge of the filter, so they could only be tightened against the rolled edge with minimal gasket contact. If you have a Ducati filter I would suspect that first, otherwise a tighten up by hand might do the trick as advocated by Rollo. __________________

16-04-2018, 08:24 PM	#5
Flip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Beachtown Bike: M900 Posts: 2,188	Yep genuine Ducati oil filters of the last couple of years have been crap - previously I’ve never had an issue with them but I’ve seen them leaking on a few bikes now- last was a lovely 996 that spewd oil over the back tyre which if it hadn’t been noticed while parked up could easily have ended in tears. __________________ You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you!

16-04-2018, 07:51 PM	#3
Miky Guest Posts: n/a	That’s what I’m hoping as the oil was not present prior the service.

16-04-2018, 08:30 PM	#6
Miky Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks chaps. It was a Ducati service so I’m of the mind to purchase a K&N myself and ask them to fit it in place of the part they fitted - that being said if it is their filter that’s the issue will they use anything else other than another Ducati filter?

22-04-2018, 06:47 PM	#7
Miky Guest Posts: n/a	I cleaned off the oil today and it looks like it may be originating from the front cylinder head.

22-04-2018, 10:24 PM	#8
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,545	The origin of oil leaks can sometimes be difficult to trace unless you adopt a definite plan of action .. basically clean everything up religiously and then observe very closely over a period of time. Trouble is both gravity and wind pressure will move the oil about, so you need to inspect it stationary with engine running or after a very short ride. From the location of the gunge I would say that it doesn't point strongly to the filter. On the other hand, you have just had that changed at a service so its got to be a suspect initially. I would remove it anyway and check that the previously mentioned seal fault isn't present, before tightening it properly. In fact first of all I might see if it can be loosened by hand, particularly if you don't own a suitable filter wrench. You say that the leak only appeared after the service. Did you have the valve clearances done ? If so, and if the leak is from the head area, I suppose its possible that a seal has failed on a valve inspection cover. Are the oil lines to and from the cooler clean ? There is always the possibility of a leak blowing backwards from there. You could always take it back to whoever serviced it.

23-04-2018, 04:37 AM	#9
Miky Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks Utopia The valve clearances were done so it could well be that then... I have not considered the oil cooler tbh. I will observe it this week The garage have agreed to take it back, but for my own learning I would really like to find the leak first. I can take it back to them to be dealt with if the leak originates from work they carried out.