Got the bike out Tuesday for the first time since last November (I know, I know!) and noticed that the front cylinder is blowing oil mist out of the head (I think) as there is a light spray down the right hand side and my head protector plate was soaked. Also, some oil was dripping from the cam belt cover - not tons, but some. Bike is a 2010 with 18k miles and the heads were replaced at 15k miles this time last year. Got a 500 mile trip this weekend and then Amsterdam on it next weekend, so no chance to get it in - will have to monitor the levels closely - just wondered if anyone else with head replacements had had this - the heads were checked for tightness after a few hundred miles of the rebuild?
I am really starting to reconsider my decision to buy a Ducati at the minute. Head replaced at 15k?!? Engines failed in another thread here. Oil leaks? And currently enjoying the dealership networks inability to deliver a bike already in the showroom within a reasonable time scale. It is 2014 still isn't it? Anyone got a bike not falling apart at less than 5 years old?!?
I had heads replaced at same mileage 15k, now on 24k, no oil leaks to speak of, and I do use bike most weekdays. can you maybe post a picture of where you think the leak is ? bugs
Bugs, cant get a picture, but underneath the front pot, where the exhaust is connected was quite wet and there were drops coming of the first of the lower cam cover bolt protrusions, then spray along the casings near the sight glass and onto the exhaust heat shield. I'm not going to mess with it as there is another 12 month warranty left on that engine rebuild.
I realise you've got trips planned but there's clearly something going wrong with your Mutley at the moment. I think I'd look to get it in for diagnosis/repair sharpish and see if a loan bike was an option (since the engine rebuild is under warranty)? Better that than suffering an engine failure like Chris hundreds of miles away surely?
I would agree, you need to wash off the current leaked oil, and take the belt cover off to check the belt is not soaked. I would then take it for a short ride to try to pinpoint where it is leaking, and how bad. Only then can you really decide if it Is up to your trips. I hope it's something trivial and easy to fix.
I agree that it would be risky to take off on a trip. The leak could get worse and it already sounds pretty bad. The fact that there is a mist means oil is blowing out under pressure and that could mean parts of the engine will be starved of oil. Oil on the exhaust could lead to a fire in the worst case. And if it gets to the rear tyre - disaster. Any dealer should be able to do a quick diagnosis at very short notice. I would recommend that route.
Dr Dave, you are right ! Think I will whip the belt cover off in the morning, if the belts dry I will use it?
Ok, nothing too drastic. The belts are dry and there is just a little evidence of oil misting in there, which has probably been going on since the rebuild? I am going to use it this weekend then keep checking it until I can get it back in for a "nip up". It may be just from the rocker cover, but the bolts are tight?
