kew@cuuxb.UUCP (kew) (10/17/86)
Subject: YAMAHA XV700 OIL LEAK I have this problem with my 1885 XV700 leaking oil from the top of the front cylinder head. I have had the bike in the shop twice for this problem. Each time they clean the oil off and run the engine looking for a leak. First time I got it back they said it was a leaky head gasket. Well about 800 miles later it starts leaking again. By this time Im also looking for the leak. It then appears that the oil is coming from the upper engine mounting stems So its back to the shop we go with this new found information. Anyway they keep the bike for a week (also to install starter shims) and then tell me they they loosened every bolt in the top end of that cylinder head and could not reproduce the leak. But they give there word everything is now tight and I should have no more problems ! 8-( You guessed it 28 miles later my Virago thinks its a terrier and starts marking its territory. The problem is the bike only leaks at speed and RPM's of about 60-70 MPH and the wind spreads the oil. Now it seems to be coming from the front exhaust valve cover , but the O-ring seal seems good and the and the surface of the head is machined well and has no visible flaws. HELP ! HELP! ANY SUGGESTIONS BESIDES A HONDA/KAW/SUZI I really like this bike it fits me well, its a cruiser but Im only 5' 6". The engine performs well, runs smooth and plenty of torque and the handling is OK. BTW two of my friends have the same bike (we bought all 3 at the same time got a great deal) but they have not had any trouble, although I have almost 4 times the milage of them. PLEASE RESPOND BY E-MAIL Thanks Steve Askew ...!cuuxa
berger@clio.Uiuc.ARPA (10/21/86)
Every one of those cylinder head screws has an o-ring, doesn't it? Don't just look at the main cylinder head gasket. Replace all the o-rings on the screws. One of them is probably distorted.