79 GS850 Oil Leak - WTH?

[Goose]

Ok, darnit, I've got someone interested in the 850 and the bike decides to spring a leak on me. I figured out where it's coming from but I have no idea why. Behind the secondary cover, there's a hole about three eighth's inch in diameter. Doesn't seem to be a threaded hole. Seems like it is what its doing, a weep hole of some sort. Any idea what this is and why there's clean oil oozing from it? The hole faces downward. Here's a pic:

[SqDancerLynn1]

That is the mystery hole. Most likely the O ring on the starter is bad/leaking thru the drain hole in the engine

[Goose]

Ah, the "mystery hole"... I feel SO much better... Seriously, that makes sense. And if it is the O-ring on the starter, that wouldn't be such a bad repair. I'll have to tear into it tomorrow after work.

Thanks, Lynn!

[BassCliff]

Hi,

These photos courtesy of Mr. bwringer.





The blue tube is there just for illustration.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Goose]

Wow. Once again, I find myself humbled by the amount of knowledge on this site. From the pics, looks like it could be either the o-ring on the starter or the gasket on the oil pressure switch... There is a gasket there isn't there?

You guys are great. Thanks SO much.

[Suzuki_Don]

There is an "O" ring under the oil pressure switch, Part No. 16448-45000 and to remove the starter motor to replace that "O" ring you will have to remove the carbs first to get at it.

[Goose]

There is an "O" ring under the oil pressure switch, Part No. 16448-45000 and to remove the starter motor to replace that "O" ring you will have to remove the carbs first to get at it.

I was hoping to get the starter out without removing the carbs. Pretty sure I was able to do that on the 550 when I had to replace the starter, but it was a little different bike than the 850.

Thanks!

[waterman]

I was hoping to get the starter out without removing the carbs. Pretty sure I was able to do that on the 550 when I had to replace the starter, but it was a little different bike than the 850.

Thanks!

If you could remove the starter from a 550 without pulling carbs then the 850 would be a breeze! I can't get my hand under the carbs on my 550 to adjust idle let alone remove starter cover.

[sparki]

and you can remove the starter from an 11 without removing the carbs....

[SerTorm]

About that starter O-ring, is it Part #13 in figure no.22, BikeBandit PN- 1028626?

And is there a walk-through on replacement posted anywhere?

Thanks for the help, ya'll