What is this hole in my engine for??

[newvined]

Hello folks,
I have an 82 GS850L that is leaking oil from a machined hole in the engine. The hole is located on the lower left side of the engine in front of the gear switch body.

What is this hole for? I know its supposed to be there because I have another 1982 GS850L with the same hole. The hole is about 7/16th diameter in size.

Why would oil be leaking from here? Is there an internal seal that I have overlooked? I replaced the o-ring for the switch body thinking it was the problem.

Please help.


Thanks,
David

[Tarbash 27]

If its the hole under the starter area, thats just a drain hole for the top of the case. If thats not it, get a picture.

[mike_of_bbg]

The only hole I think you could be talking about is below the starter, and it allows water to drain off the top of the engine and around the starter. The top hole is under the starter cover. Check to see if the oil could be coming into it from above; maybe past the stator leads, or the cam chain tensioner?

[Nessism]

The only hole I think you could be talking about is below the starter, and it allows water to drain off the top of the engine and around the starter. The top hole is under the starter cover. Check to see if the oil could be coming into it from above; maybe past the stator leads, or the cam chain tensioner?

...or from the nose of the starter - the large O-rings don't seal as well as they should after a while.