Leaky oil pan screw

[hornet_guy]

Hello guys,

I'm investigating a minor oil leak that produces this black sticky stuff under the oil pan. I think I may have a leaky screw and I wonder if I could unscrew it completely, so I can put some RTV in the mating surface and torque it back. Do you think I can produce damage to something by unscrew one screw alone?

Thanks

[Nobby the Bastard]

It won't do damage but by the same token your fix won't fix the problem
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Bhud]

Get it spotlessly clean however you can, and watch and identify the source of the leak.

If it's the oil drain plug, then dump the oil and refit the plug with a new crush washer. I prefer to always use copper ones because they need less force to create a hermetic seal than the alloy ones.

If it's coming from around the oil level or oil pressure sensor, then you'll need to dump your oil and investigate that by removing your sump.

If it's seeping from the edges of the oil pan, dump your oil and buy a new gasket.

First things first, get it scrupulously clean and dry. Then start your engine, lie down and identify from where the leak starts.

You'll be wasting your time with RTV. It won't work but it will make a mess.

[struan80]

Shit loads of PTFE tape and 18" shifters and a dowty washer if you must.

[MCN]

Or dump the oil and you will fix the oil leak.

I found a leak from the sump of a bike I have. I assumed it was just the drain plug gasket.
I was sadly mistaken.
I had to replace the sump as it was rotten due to salt road corrosion/electrolysis. A bike with 6000 miles on it.

Light weight manganese alloy sump.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Nobby the Bastard]

I'd be willing to bet Backscutler's virginity that the fact it's collecting on one of the bolts won't mean it's leaking from it and it's actually the gasket failed.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[hornet_guy]

Thank you to everyone. I cleaned it well and will pay attention. The leak is so small that it will probably need days to be spotted. I'll come back when the source is identified.

[stinkwheel]

Or it might be oil fling off the front sprocket tracking along, so make sure you take that cover off and clean out all the yad that'll have accumulated under there too.

Oil leaks are rarely coming from where they appear to be. Either that or I have an oil leak from the right hand toolbox on my enfield
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[recman]