Ball bearing on left side of triple crankcase

[aebbern]

Got out for a quick shakedown run on my 1200 last night after replacing the head gasket over the winter.  While the cyl head appears oil tight now, I have discovered a slight oil leak at the ball bearing stuffed into the left side of the crankcase.  What is the purpose of that ball bearing - why is it there?  If it is leaking oil, would a bit of Dirko or other sealant be a suitable fix?  I really want to avoid dismantling this motor again for such a small item.

 

[dja982]

It's used as blanking plug for the oil gallery.

 

[aebbern]

It's used as blanking plug for the oil gallery.

Thanks - looks like mine has morphed into a crankcase breather as well.  I have never heard of these leaking before - I seem to have a knack for finding new ways for oil to escape from this motor...

 

[breganzane]

Never heard of that leaking before either!  Maybe try some Loctite 290 "wick in"? I have used that stuff to seal up neutral switches that leak internally (even new ones). The only trouble is that it obviously works best if the joint is oil free, maybe you can lean the bike to the right and build a little dam from plasticine or similar and try to get some acetone through it?

 

[aebbern]

Thanks Steve - I have some Loctite 290 & acetone - will give your suggestion a try. 

It's not like the oil is pouring out of there, but it's enough to bug me.  This same motor had a porosity issue that allowed oil to weep through around the middle of cyl #3.  I used a bit of Dirko on that 15 yrs back and it has held fine.  If the Loctite fix doesn't do it, I may try the Dirko route.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[Paul Marx]

Araldite like what Norton did with its porous crankcases

Paul