Cam Seal Replacement '95m900 (formerly: Oil Leak from behind belts?)

[erkishhorde]

So in addition to my little fuel problem... 

I popped off the belt covers because I thought I was hearing a scraping noise from the right  hand side of the bike. I found nothing scraping but I did find this.



The rubber thingy that has the threads for the belt cover has a crack at one of the screws and there was a dribble of oil coming from there. Odd thing though, after a 55 mi jaunt of the freeway I got home and there was no oil dribble anymore. I guess it could matter that before I saw the oil I had burning down the fwy at 85-90mph for 55mi and when I checked on it again and saw no oil dribble I had only been going about 70-75mph.

So, is this thing hard to replace? I have no idea how to take that pulley off. I haven't looked in my Haynes manual yet. Thoughts?

[ducpainter]

It's more likely a cam seal.

[corey]

i'm no expert. but i think that blows.

[erkishhorde]

Bugger... Should be OK to run on for a little bit so I can make my trip, right?

[ducpainter]

Bugger... Should be OK to run on for a little bit so I can make my trip, right?

If it's minor it wouldn't stop me.

I rode my 750 track bike with a leaking lay shaft seal for a season.

[scott_araujo]

I don't think it's too big of a deal to replace your cam seal.  One thing though, that large nut that holds the pulley on is a one use item so you'll need a new one along with the seal.

Scott

[erkishhorde]

I don't think it's too big of a deal to replace your cam seal.  One thing though, that large nut that holds the pulley on is a one use item so you'll need a new one along with the seal.

Scott

Really? That sucks... What about it makes it a 1 time deal?

I'm finally getting around to doing this repair. It's getting oil all over the side of my bike.  So I've figured out a way around the Ducati specialty tool. I should have looked in my Haynes manual from the start.  Anyway, think I'll be needing anything other than just the cam seal? Scott mentioned a new pulley nut. Think I'll really need it? I'm trying to start a parts list now so I'll be ready when DucSea is open tomorrow and maybe I'll get my bits by this weekend if they're in stock.

[Howie]

Really? That sucks... What about it makes it a 1 time deal?

I'm finally getting around to doing this repair. It's getting oil all over the side of my bike.  So I've figured out a way around the Ducati specialty tool. I should have looked in my Haynes manual from the start.  Anyway, think I'll be needing anything other than just the cam seal? Scott mentioned a new pulley nut. Think I'll really need it? I'm trying to start a parts list now so I'll be ready when DucSea is open tomorrow and maybe I'll get my bits by this weekend if they're in stock.

Do you really need to replace it?  Maybe not , but it is self locking, designed for one time use.  Do you want to take the chance?  I wouldn't  If the nut comes off so does your belt.

[erkishhorde]

Do you really need to replace it?  Maybe not , but it is self locking, designed for one time use.  Do you want to take the chance?  I wouldn't  If the nut comes off so does your belt.

Ah, that's the part I wanted to hear. I don't particularly have any problem with getting extra bits that people suggest I might need but I like to know why. Plus I think I'm gonna be doing this work at my parent's place and my dad always asks me why I need stuff and "because so and so told me I do" isn't the greatest answer. Thanks!

Oh also, judging from the amount of oil all over the place I'm assuming that the belt has be thoroughly covered in oil. I haven't opened it again since to look but that's my guess from all the oil I see seeping through the covers all over the place. Should I replace the belt as well?

[Howie]

Ah, that's the part I wanted to hear. I don't particularly have any problem with getting extra bits that people suggest I might need but I like to know why. Plus I think I'm gonna be doing this work at my parent's place and my dad always asks me why I need stuff and "because so and so told me I do" isn't the greatest answer. Thanks!

Oh also, judging from the amount of oil all over the place I'm assuming that the belt has be thoroughly covered in oil. I haven't opened it again since to look but that's my guess from all the oil I see seeping through the covers all over the place. Should I replace the belt as well?

I would, some rubbers don't like oils.

[Speeddog]

I'd agree, if the belts are oily, replace 'em.
And those belts are relatively cheap.

Take care to get the replacement seal installed flat.