So I'm dripping some black fluid from my kickstand. It looks like its coming from just under the sprocket cover (see arrow on picture). It then runs down to the kickstand and drips off the kickstand. Its not a lot that drips out, just a couple stains on the ground, not like a huge puddle.
First thing I checked was the oil filter. Nop, wasn't it, it was nice dry and clean. So I'm thinking maybe its clutch fluid? I recently changed out my brake and clutch fluid. The clutch bleed valve is in the area. However, when I check the clutch bleed valve, it is also dry and clean. So where is this leak coming from?
Maybe I overfilled the clutch fluid reservoir, I'll try bleeding a bit more out to see if that helps.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Hemansd/Bike/Ducati/IMG_2173-1.jpg)
if it is coming from the sprocket cover, you may have a casing issue from perhaps the chain smacking it if it wasn't adjusted tight enough and it was jumping tension at all...that could be a much much larger problem...
The leak is not from overfilling the reservoir. If your bike is still under warranty, back to the dealer. If not, pull the sprocket cover off. Clean the area well. . Go for a short ride. Inspect. Still can't find the leak? Clean again, spray with aerosol foot powder and go for a ride. The stain in the foot powder should lead to the leak.
Possible areas (in no particular order):
Clutch slave, remove and look for fluid coming from the weep hole.
Side case cover. A little tightening may cure it. Not too much or you will strip the threads in the case. If not it needs to come off and get resealed.
Clutch pushrod o rings. Replace.
Output shaft seal. Replace.
Smell the fluid.
Motor oil and brake fluid do not smell the same.
Also, brake fluid between the fingers feels thin and does not cling as much as motor oil, wheras motor oil feels "thick".
It could just be chain grime and lube that has been flung off and collected in the front sprocket area. When you ride and the engine cases heat up it makes that mess more runny and voila you have a drip.
Happens on both my bikes. I'm usually pretty on top of cleaning my chain but when I slack this is usually a reminder.
Give the area a thorough cleaning and see how it goes.
[thumbsup]
I second Howie's recommendation. I had the exact same issue: leaking kickstand ;) Once I removed the sprocket cover and cleaned up the area, I warmed the bike up with a short ride and parked it overnight. I could then easily see the leak coming from the clutch slave. Pulled the slave, cleaned it up and replaced the three o-rings (one large for the slave, two small for the push rod). Problem solved.
Finally had some time to work on the bike. The leak is coming from the clutch slave cylinder. However, I'm not leaking brake fluid. I'm pretty sure its engine oil (I had to fill another 1/2 liter of oil to top her off this morning). I'm going to try to replace the two o-rings that are on the rod behind the cylinder to see if that stops the leak.
Quote from: mysticbluex3 on December 09, 2011, 01:07:55 PM
Finally had some time to work on the bike. The leak is coming from the clutch slave cylinder. However, I'm not leaking brake fluid. I'm pretty sure its engine oil (I had to fill another 1/2 liter of oil to top her off this morning). I'm going to try to replace the two o-rings that are on the rod behind the cylinder to see if that stops the leak.
probably more than likely the output shaft seal behind the countershaft sprocket I hate to think and say....what bike is it and how many miles?
2009 M696 w/ 10,500 miles.
Did you ever figure this out? Mine does the same.
Yup. It was the o-rings.