Removing starter on '99 Ducati 750

[EarthTrauma]

Good day all. I own a '99 750 and have started to experience an oil leak that appears to coming from the starter. Take a look at the attached picture and see for yourself. In any event I need to fix it so I was curious for some guidance. It appears that I need to replace the metal seal on the starter motor.  Ultimately I need to remove the generator cover to get to some hidden bolts that hold the starter. The shop manual lists up to 3 special tools I need to remove the generator cover (88713.0144), inner ring of the bearing (88713.1332) and flywheel (88713.1419). My question is do I need to obtain these three tools to access the bolts to the starter?

[koko64]

Just before you dive in,  double/triple check for the highest leak source. People use foot powder on the motor after cleaning it to trace the leak to its highest point. Cool eh?

. Unless Ducati have changed their practice, there is a hole in the gear that when rotated, lets you put an Allen key through it to access the bolt to the starter. The case puller is the tool you'll need.
Good luck .

[Speeddog]

As koko suggested, confirm the leak area first.

Only the case puller needed, even a generic light duty puller is fine.

Rotate the starter idler gear until one of the outer holes is at ~5 O'Clock, then access the starter screw through the hole.

[EarthTrauma]

Solid feedback all...ty

[EarthTrauma]

As koko suggested, confirm the leak area first.

Only the case puller needed, even a generic light duty puller is fine.

Rotate the starter idler gear until one of the outer holes is at ~5 O'Clock, then access the starter screw through the hole.

I was able to remove the starter and replace the gasket with a new one. However the leak still existed. Fortunately I ordered two gaskets and tried the procedure once again making sure I was super careful and clean. Unfortunately after two attempts at replacing the gasket it still leaks. I am now completely lost at what to do now. I may have to take it to a dealer and see what they say. Should I have used some sealant on the gasket? Perhaps I could put some sealant (RTV) on the outside?

[ducpainter]

Are you sure it's the starter that's leaking and not the fitting where the alternator wires pass through the case?

[EarthTrauma]

Are you sure it's the starter that's leaking and not the fitting where the alternator wires pass through the case?

I am certain it is coming from the starter. I cannot see anywhere else it could be coming from.

[ducpainter]

Adding sealer to the outside at this point likely won't stop it. You might try disassembling, cleaning the gasket, and using sealer on the gasket. I don't use RTV on gaskets. I prefer a non hardening gasket dressing.

Did it leak in the same spot the first time you replaced the gasket?

[EarthTrauma]

Should I use Threebond? Thats what I used for my generator cover.

[ducpainter]

Should I use Threebond? Thats what I used for my generator cover.

It would likely work fine.

I'd look closely at all the surfaces/parts for cracks or abnormalities. It isn't typical for that joint to leak with a new gasket.

I'd also clean the area well and check again with aerosol foot powder to pinpoint the leak. Something isn't 'right'.

[EarthTrauma]

Used your suggestion of foot powder spray and discovered that the leak is where I suspected. Perhaps my torque is off on the bolts? It is only 10 Nm. though so that couldn't be it. The gasket has a ridge along the circumference.  I don't think it has to face a certain direction?

I think im going to try it one more time with Threebond. Thanks for your help.

[ducpainter]

Good luck

[koko64]

Unfortunately that does seem unusual. As DP mentioned, look for any surface imperfections on the mating surfaces. It may be that there is a nick or gouge that might only be sealed with Threebond each side of the gasket.

[Duck-Stew]

When I owned my shop in CA, and even with my partner at our new shop in NM, we use(d) a thin bead of gasket sealant on a new gasket when performing that task.

(Given that I never wanted to do the damned gasket a 2nd time.  What a PITA to get to!)

[EarthTrauma]

Discovered a new wrinkle to my dilemma. The starter motor has 4 holes whereas the mounting requires 3 bolts.



Is this a universal starter? Why 4 holes?