Leaky Cylinder Head - Ducati.ms

Ferrell75002 · Jun 10th, 2008, 4:10 pm

Well, I got a new hyper after the other one was stolen. I have had it less than a week, and oil is leaking out the back of the vertical cylinder head. I noticed this due to alittle smoke coming off the engine.

I assume it is a gasket or a seal or something that is not set right. I don't know why else it would leak. I would love to think that because of the heat wave in NYC 90+ that the factory oil has broken down so much that it has become like water and is just slowly leaking, but I am being optimistic.Or maybe there is just too much oil and it is being forced out due to the amount of oil, when I pull the bike up level the looking glass is completely filled up. Yeah, I know I am pulling shit out of the air, but I want to believe this is something that can simply be fix and not something thats going to take all summer to get done.

Any other ideas what could cause this, how long this would take to get fixed, is this something major, can I ride my bike or not ??? I have made an appointment but the dealer can not see it till July 1st as everyone is booked up . Which is not a problem if I can ride, then I can take care of the leaky cylinder, get the 600 mile service and get the 2-1 installed.

Any comments, ideas, suggestions are greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to see a clear picture of this issue let me know as I will take some shots.
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GHEZZI · Jun 10th, 2008, 6:05 pm

If its pissin don't ride it. Try to assertain the point of leakage, if its head gasket leave the head tension to the dealer. However, if it's smoking, is it because oil is actually getting on to the exhaust pipe? If the leak is above the exhaust port then it might just need the tappet cover tightened.

Other option is to spray with degreaser before each ride and wash-off.

WARNING: THE SURGEON GENERAL SAID NOTHING ABOUT SMOKIN' THE COMPETITION!

bob41459 · Jun 10th, 2008, 6:57 pm

You just picked it up and the dealer can't squeeze you in? I'm guessing this dealer isn't the one who sold it you eh?
I know my dealer would surely fit me right in if I had a problem on a week old new purchase.

Ferrell75002 · Jun 10th, 2008, 7:17 pm

I will take a look @ the tappet cover and tighten a bit.

I got the bike in Albany and I am not going to ride 2.5 hours up there as I do not have the time. I will patiently wait till July 1st. I am sure if I bought the bike local they would fit me in, but the price in Albany was impossible to beat.
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bob41459 · Jun 10th, 2008, 7:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferrell75002

I will take a look @ the tappet cover and tighten a bit.

I got the bike in Albany and I am not going to ride 2.5 hours up there as I do not have the time. I will patiently wait till July 1st. I am sure if I bought the bike local they would fit me in, but the price in Albany was impossible to beat.
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Well good luck with it.Hope it gets resolved swiftly for you.

**CDONA** · Jun 10th, 2008, 9:52 pm

I've had a slight leak in the cam end cover, shifter side, rear cyl. It comes real close to burning on the exhaust pipe, but not enough flow to get there. It will spot the frame and shock when it flows off the top cooling fins of the exhaust port, in 500 +- miles. Have logged this from new, 4600 miles. My red alloy pony bleeds for me!
Oil level should be within the marks, full glass is overfull.

Motard-Menace · Jun 11th, 2008, 12:01 am

As Cdona stated above if the view glass is completely full of oil, you have too much oil in the motor and that is most likely causing your issue. It should be in between the the lines. Dump some out and see if it takes care of the problem if it is truly that full. Goodluck

Ferrell75002 · Jun 11th, 2008, 5:50 pm

Cdona,
I believe we have the same issue. I cleaned everything and noticed the leak coming from the cooling fin right below the rear exhaust. When my oil settles it is above the second line in the looking glass. So, could it simply be a over flow because of too much oil ? You did not get it check out, and your bike is running fine ?? Mine is a slow leak, but after a 20 minute commute to work you can see and notice the oil that has leaked.

Motard-Menace · Jun 11th, 2008, 6:32 pm

Ferrell,

If your oil is above the top line then yes that is what is causing the oil to seep. There is to much and the engine is forcing out the oil. Drain some out. I had a similiar issue a while back and drained the oil to the proper level and now no problems. If you leave it go however it could cause permanent damage as in needing new seals etc.

Ferrell75002 · Jun 11th, 2008, 6:39 pm

Gotcha I will check it when the bike is completely cooled down and see where the oil is in the looking glass.

30 min later . . . .

Well, I checked the looking glass and it is completely filled, so it looks like simply too much oil, or I hope thats the problem. Thanks guys for your help, I appreciate it. Looks like the bike will get a 350 mile oil change.
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