Base gasket leaking :-(

[srileo]

Ok, it looks like my Wee has had its first real failure. There seem to be a couple of leaks.
One from the base gasket of the rear cylinder and the other from where near where the clutch connects into the engine.

I dropped it off at the mechanic's shop and will find out on tuesday what the damages are likely to be.

Am really bummed. On one hand i'm preparing the bike for a very long ride and on the other hand there are these expensive headaches.

Anyone here have a base gasket leak? Any idea what it entails to fix it?

[srileo]

So, on closer examination yesterday, it seems that the oil seal #23 might be one of the culprits (as GreyWolf initially predicted). Do you guys think that it can be fixed without pulling the entire engine? Any idea on the effort/hours?

[greywolf]

That's an easy seal to get at. It should take less than a half hour for a trained mechanic with proper tools. The side cover and clutch adjuster are all that need to come off to get at the seal.

[srileo]

Greywolf,
thanks for the encouraging words. The oil leak from there is more voluminous than the base gasket leak. Am glad it wont take long to fix it.

Any idea of what the base gasket leak entails? I am guessing it means dropping the engine out to get the heads off and install a new gasket? Am i correct in that assumption?

Also, the base gasket leak is not 'pouring'. Other than the slight mess, is there a risk in leaving it be and keeping an eye out on the oil? Also, is it normal for a gasket to leak from one side and not another side? The base gasket is leaking on the rear cylinder from the left side and towards the rear. The bolts where the exhaust connects to the rear cylinder are usually wet with oil.

[greywolf]

I've never looked to see whether the rear cylinder can be removed with the engine in place or if it's a good idea to do it that way even if it can be done. There is also the possibility that re torquing the nuts is all it needs.

[srileo]

It was as GreyWolf prophesized ;-)