The Hodaka Club Forum

This case is still leaking on me. The Yamabond slowed it down but didn’t stop it completely. Does anyone have a Wombat left case they can sell?

Or, does anyone know a sure fire way to stop this case screw hole from leaking? This is the case. You can see where the drill slipped at about 11 o’clock on the case at the rearmost screw. I’m not sure of a way to block it off to stop leaking. You can see where it leaks at the rear screw at the bottom, by the JAPAN lettering.

So I either need a sure fire way to close this up, or, I need a Wombat left case. Thx in advance. Victor

See the post by Dirty_Rat on your build thread. He states that there is no passage for oil to the screw hole. He is correct. Your damage has opened up a passage from the transmission cavity that must be plugged. It could easily be welded but I think this is a perfect application for JB Weld. Split the cases and repair from the inside. There is no pressure or stress against this part. You just need to plug the passage. The only thing that could be a show stopper is just how much of the area is damaged. Hopefully it is small.

OK Dale. I’ll look! I also started thinking about it and wonder if it might just be oil leaking out around the drain plug and dripping off the back of the lower motor mount plate on that side? I’ll check that and make sure before I go any further. Victor

It sounds like you have had the screw out a couple of times... If you remove it again, can you get oil to drain out of the hole?

This is a perfect time for one of my favorite lines: Slow down. You'll go faster.

Take time out, and find out where the leaked oil is coming from. Leaks due to loose countershaft sprocket nut, damaged sprocket collar, worn counter shaft seal or leaking O-ring in the end of the counter shaft are not un-common. ALL of those items can be fixed with engine in frame.

Dry things thoroughly. Go away for a while, then come back to search for rewetted surfaces. Tape on tissue, dust on talcum powder - do whatever is necessary to find where the oil is ACTUALLY coming from. Fixing the actual problem on the first try is usually wayeeee faster than fixing several non-problems while on the way to finding/fixing the real problem.

On the other hand, if you actually DO have oil accessing the gallery the screw goes thru - it is time to split the cases and find out how in the heck oil is getting to that gallery (it just plain should not be there - no.)

OK, Ed. I believe it. I think I just assumed it was leaking out of the gallery. Wasn’t aware there was no opening to the case.

I’ve been doing what you suggested. Wiping clean, drying even inspecting with video on my phone camera. It seems Ike I’m doing things which are reducing the flow, but not ending it.

I may end up pulling the motor, wiping it down with paper towels and setting it on news paper to find where the leak is originating.

It has been peculiar. Some assumptions from past leaks on other bikes were made. May actually be more than one source, and I’ve eliminated a few already.

I’ll let you know how it goes. It’s been perplexing, but I do clean it & walk away a while and come back to see what it’s doing. Not rushing, working slowly and trying to illuminate & eliminate. Victor

Just after doing a cleaning and drying cycle, taking a short but dusty trail ride might be the perfect ticket for a nice even coat of "indicator dust" on the exterior of the cases to help find the leak source.
Ed
(or just fling a handful of desert dust at it in the drive way?)

There's a sexy solution too. I can't remember the name of the stuff, but it is an inert chemical that you add to the oil that is phosphorescent under black light. You can get it at most any auto parts store. Add it to the oil and examine the bike in a darkened room with a hand-held black light (a few bucks) and the leaked oil will glow brightly and - presto - the leak source will be revealed.

Wow Matt! I didn’t know that was available! I have a black light bulb I can throw in my safety light! I’ll get some tomorrow!!! Nice!!! Victor

cool! Good luck!