[Mad Adder]

Hello guys. I own a 1983 Honda Shadow 750 and it runs pretty good. I'm getting 60 mpg and it has been a good bike. The only issue is that is seems to leak oil. I think it is leaking from the bottom of the engine from what I have seen and it will be empty from sitting all winter. Last spring it was bone dry. Can I take the side cases of the engine off and reseal them without yanking the motor out? I think the gaskets have just gone to hell down there. The rest of the bike doesn't seem to be leaking.
Any links or step-by-steps with precautions would be great. I have a lot of automotive knowledge, but never ripped a bike apart, nor do I want to go broke doing it. I just want to stop the leak and enjoy the summer.
Thanks

 

[jwinker]

Sloooooowwwww down turbo. Can you positively identify the leak is coming from one or both of the side covers? This could be as simple as the crush washer for the oil drain plug.

If you can say with absolute certainty that the leak is coming from the side cover(s), then yes, you should be able to find step-by-step instructions by looking for clutch replacement, stator replacement, etc. Just doing the side covers shouldn't be too difficult, but don't start until you know they are leaking.

 

[swifty2014]

I have the same bike but no leaks. I would dry it off very well so you can see the exact leak area. If it is the center of the cases the engine has to come out. Also if you have damage under there.
I have seen other guys pull the covers in the bike. The left one should come out with some twists and turns I believe. The right side has a piece of the frame that unbolts and so would allow the right case removal.
But again make sure you know where it is coming from because when you ride it is blown all over . Maybe even the oil pressure switch or oil pressure tube to the heads, filter gasket, etc.

If you need the manual you can get it here ( it sure is giving me a lot of knowledge about my new/old bike too) .==

http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/72-technical-discussion/122857-honda-service-manuals.html

 

[John Hopkins]

That bike must be filthy underneath, as a first step a small household steam cleaner will bring it up spotless and then wipe it dry with some kitchen towel, look for a clean dry spot to park it or put a sheet of plywood or hardboard under the bike with some clean kitchen towel under the sump. watch for drips and when you find the general area use some clean kitchen towel and a flashlight to trace the snail trail of oil back to its highest point, because gaskets are held between two almost flat surfaces under pressure they don't just go to hell and you may find something simple to repair under all the grime.

John.

 

[Mad Adder]

I will get a few cans of brake cleaner and spray, wipe, spray it down till its clean, then wait a few days and put a bit of oil in to see where it comes out. I will hunt down the leak so I know where I am heading.

 

[jwinker]

Before you add oil, might as well change the filter, too. There is a possibility the filter gasket is leaking, oil is heading to the lowest point (the bottom of the engine) and dripping off. Since oil is already empty, it's worth the effort.

 

[John Hopkins]

If it were my bike I would fill the bike with kerosene instead of oil for a few minutes, I know it sounds crazy but here is my reasoning..

If the bike is dry of oil due to leakage then all the residue is sticking to the sides of the engine and inside the small oilways, that could cause blockages and restrict the flow, the kerosene will scrub the walls and also be a cheap way of finding where the leak is.

If you have to strip the engine when you find the leak you will drain all the kerosene from all the nooks and crannies and no harm will be done, if the leak is something like a loose filter gasket you can fill with the cheapest engine oil and run the bike for 100 miles to dilute the kerosene and then change the oil for the good stuff.

I'm not telling you to do this, I'm just saying what I would do..

John.