Where is the leak?

[SDKmann]

Had the oil filler cap come off at startup a few weeks ago and cover both myself and my bike in oil. Been noticing a few small drops here and there, but thought that they were from that incident.

About an hour after putting the bike away today noticed quite a bit of oil on the ground, and oil pooling on top of the engine behind the upright cylinder. Its not immediately apparent to me where the leak could be coming from, but the amount of oil is not insignificant. Oil level is now on the low side, so probably been leaking for a little while now.






Any ideas on where the leak could be coming from?

Also, not sure if this is related or not, but noticed while it was in the stand that there did not appear to be fluid in this window and I don't remember it being that way -

[Speeddog]

Year and model of your Ducati?

[SDKmann]

Sorry, 2002 M750.

[ducpainter]

There should not be fluid visible on the left side. It's a timing window.

The leak is likely a base gasket.

[SDKmann]

Thanks! Would a base seal be something I could reasonably replace with a Haynes manual and basic hand tools or better left for a shop?

[Howie]

Likely doesn't mean it is.  Could be the breather too.  Or dripping down from a higher point.  clean the area well, run and inspect.  Still can't tell?  Spray the area with foot powder, run, inspect.  The oil stain in the powder will lead you to the leak.

The vertical cylinder needs to be removed along with everything that is attached to it.  Special tool for the cylinder head nuts.  Can be made from an old wrench.

[herm]

Likely doesn't mean it is.  Could be the breather too.  Or dripping down from a higher point.  clean the area well, run and inspect.  Still can't tell?  Spray the area with foot powder, run, inspect.  The oil stain in the powder will lead you to the leak.

The vertical cylinder needs to be removed along with everything that is attached to it.  Special tool for the cylinder head nuts.  Can be made from an old wrench.

Remember to clean off the foot powder before it becomes too well acquainted with the engine casings...