#1:  No-Sweat Method of Leak Detection for
Motorcycle Engines Author: turtlspd,  Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005
10:02 am
No-Sweat Method of Leak
Detection for Motorcycle Engines and Drives
Spray deodorant lends
itself to an inexpensive and easy way to track down fluid leaks on
motorcycle (and other) engines, transmissions, and drive units. From the
August 2005 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. By Mark Zimmerman.
You don't have to sweat just because you motorcycle is. A
little spray deoderant will help.
Troubled by embarrassing
wetness? Unlike personal hygiene issues, which are easily rectified,
chasing down an oil leak, whether it be from the engine, transmission or
rear drive, can be a real hassle. Vibration, heat and airflow tend to
smear the oil all over the place, which complicates finding the source of
the leak, especially if it's a relatively small one.
Professional
wrenches have access to leak detection kits that use dye and a black light
to pinpoint the gusher, but those aren't something the average Joe
generally has floating around in his medicine cabinet.
On the
other hand, aerosol deodorants usually are, particularly if Joe is well
groomed, and in a pinch they make a very passable leak detector.
Here's the drill.
1. Wash away the oil slick.
2.
Take the bike for a ride, making sure it gets good and warm.
3.
Spray the suspected area of the leak with a powder-type deodorant (my
personal favorite is Arrid Extra Dry).
The deodorant will leave a
chalky white, easily removed coating on the surface, with the outline of
the oil track clearly revealed. A little detective work should lead you
right to the spring. The only trick is to make sure you use a powder-type
spray; the clear stuff won't work, and obviously neither will a roll-on!
Not only will your bike lose that embarrassing wetness, it'll smell fresh
as a daisy. |