Leaking timing cover

[Einar]

Hi everyone!

I have a leak coming from under the timing cover that I can no longer ignore .

I opened up the timing cover for the first time yesterday and I assume I'm looking at the Dynamo/Generator/Regulator (? what's the english word ?) and the starter motor (below). Does that seem about right?

It looks like the source is the lower part around the starter motor. See photos attached.
How would I go about to start dismantling and repair the leak. I am struggling to find detailed drawings.

Your input is as always highly appreciated.

[Bob_Roller]

I'd say the oil seal on the alternator rotor drive may be your problem .

You could clean it up and see if you can confirm it's leaking .

Not a difficult job, but you need a specialty tool to get the rotor free of the crankshaft .

The part under the alternator, is the ignition trigger unit, commonly referred to as ' the bean can ' .

It has an o-ring to seal oil from the camshaft drive for the bean can .

It may be leaking as well, only way to tell is to clean up the area and run the bike a bit and see if you can see which is causing the leak .

[montmil]

As Bob noted, the bean can's large o-ring is likely Tango Uniform and needs to be replaced. Lifting off the ITC is quite simple. The area behind the Bean-O can -the timing chest- contains the timing chain and sprockets. All running in an oil bath. That's most probably the source of your oil leak.

Do use a bit of carb cleaner spray to get the mess cleaned off, then ride a bit to see where the fresh oil leak is coming from. Might check engine oil level; depending on how long the leaks has been, well, leaking.

[Einar]

Great! thank you for the explanations and advise Bob and Monte!

That gives me a place to start.

Will read up as I go along and keep you posted.

[Einar]

I have just removed the bean can.
The o-ring is quite flat and lots of oil grease in the sourrunding area outside the o-ring. Combined with the fact that the alternator is clean and show no traces of oil, I went ahead and ordered the seal for the bean can.

I hope this will solve the problem.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

[montmil]

I love it when a plan and simple fix come together!