The Hodaka Club Forum

Hi Guys,

Greetings from England,

Got a 1973 Wombat.

Runs great on start up and when cold. Once it warms up a little it starts to bog down and oil comes out of the top breather on the engine.

Could it have too much oil?

Any ideas?

Also does anyone know of anyone who deals with Hodaka's?

Thanks

Greg

My guess is leaking crankshaft seal on clutch side of the crankshaft.

This would put pressure pulses into the transmission cavity helping the oil out the breather.

A quick draining of the trans will tell you if it's overfill. You can measure what comes out in a 2 cup measuring cup or similar.

If you are mechanically inclined I'd suggest you pressure test. If you like, ask & I'll post technical how-to bulletin.

My guess is if you can't find an external leak it's the seal. If you keep the pressure pumped up you might put a small hose on the transmission fill hole and listen for a faint hissing sound by putting other end of hose to your ear. That's if you have young ears.

If it's the crank seal it's a complete teardown. That's why I suggest you look first & prove it on way or the other.

Al's advice is spot on - but I'd recommend going directly to pressure testing the engine. Note that soapy artist's brush held against the side of the transmission breather will help with bubble formation if there is leak into the transmission cavity. (No need to depend on hearing). If you find a big leak at the breather - then it is time to pull the clutch cover and clutch and check for bubbles at the seal. It would be a bummer to do all the work to replace the clutch seal and then find out that the leak was somewhere else. (always find the actual leak point before starting to fix it)
Ed

Leak isn’t on the top Ed. I’ve pretty much figured either there’s something wrong with the threads on the oil drain, or near there the case seal isn’t complete.

I’m going to try Matt’s suggestion of the glow in the dark additive & track it down with a black light! Victor

Vic,

Al's response and mine were for greggyboy in England.
Ed

PS: (Slow down. You'll go faster. )