Leaking/pouring fluid on my 84 GL1200

[hurstman]

Hi all. Hope this is the correct forum for this.

Question if I may. I have a 1984 GL1200 Interstate that when it starts to warm up, I notice a "waterfall" of a fluid (appears to be hot oil, not sure) that literally pours from a tube attached to a small black plastic box on the left side rear of the engine that the upper tube continues up somewhere where I can't see where it goes. When getting warm there is smoke coming from underneath and very light smoke from the exhaust...then dissipates.

The bike sat for over 5 years and I did a single carb conversion on it as it would not run with the existing carbs...they literally poured fuel from all 4 of them. Starts right up and idles nice with the conversion but this "waterfall" of liquid has me concerned. Only paid a couple of hundred for the bike so you won't hurt my feelings or insult me if you tell me to part out this bike, although I would love to get it on the road a 51,000 miles, I think there is still some life left unless this engine is junk.

Thanks much.

 

[slabghost]

That I believe is the crankcase breather cannister tube. By any chance have you over filled the oil? Or did the previous carbs fill the crankcase with gasoline? Smell the oil. If it smells of gasoline drain it and change oil and filter.

 

[Tom_Charlton]

the small plastic box is a condensation collection box that receives fumes from the crankcase. It is held in place by a 6mm bolt with a 10mm head. Remove the box and dump the condensation into your oil disposal. Re-install the box and keep an eye on it. If it fills again, you could have several problems facing you. Excessive blowby, gasoline or antifreeze in the crankcase, overfull crankcase, to name a few.

Step one after purchase of a used Gl1200 is change the oil and filter.

 

[Denver]

Good advise, :yes: timing belts as well. :good:

 

[ekvh]

I had the same issue with an xj650. It had a window for checking oil. It was above the window. I figured PO had just overfilled it. Took it for a test ride and stopped after a mile. Went to take off and gave her a little gas to see if it had any power. Just about biffed it. At first, I thought, " Wow, more than I expected." Drove the other mile home and noticed a trail of oil. When I'd stopped it had dumped a puddle right in front of the back tire. Wings seem happiest with oil only to the halfway mark of the sight glass.