Oil leak from oil pan bolt / gasket (2019 GT)

[Zakk]

Hi all,

First time poster, still need to introduce myself properly on the other thread.

The problem: I have an oil leak on my 2019 GT (19k km, I've had the bike from 12k km). Oil seems to be seeping from the area of the front right oil pan bolt, just by the oil level sight. There's, well, about a teaspoon’s worth of oil seeping through over night.

I have the SW Motech bashplate (it attaches under some of the oil pan bolts), and had to remove the bashplate ”holders” while installing my new Leovince exhaust. While fitting the bashplate back on, I managed to strip the bolt mentioned. I installed an Helicoil (without removing the oil pan) and fitted the bolt back, torqued everything to spec. Discovering the leak I even overtorqued the bolt in case by 2-3 Nm, but that didn't stop the leak.

The question: what could be the culprit? I have used helicoils on other bikes before successfully, but maybe I botched it this time? Or is it possible I have damaged the oil pan gasket while installing the helicoil? I have an oil change coming and ordered a new gasket just in case, but decided to map other possible solutions before doing that, as it seems I would need to remove the exhaust I just installed to get the pan off. Any ideas? Thx.

[knyte]

I'd bet on the gasket!

[GTO MIKE]

 If you had to drill and tap for the helicoil ,may have a opened up a small hole or tore gasket. Just a thought.

MIKE

[PhotoAl]

My thought also, seems like a bit much coming from threads around the bolt but I would pull bolt out and make sure leak is not from around helical threads or bolt hole.  Hopefully it is the gasket but should be pretty easy to verify if its the bolt hole and if not then replace the gasket.

EDIT:  On working bolts, ran across this a while back and hadn't thought thru before but torque specs are for dry and clean bolts and nuts.  Any kind of lubricant will make the bolt or nut turn easier and at the specified torque you will be putting much more pressure on the threads.

Edited April 20, 2022 by PhotoAl

[Zakk]

Thanks all,

I'm almost positive it isn't the bolt hole. It seems that the leak is above it, specifically on the seam of the pan and the engine block. I'm on business trip right now and the Tracer is tucked in at the garage back home with a drip tray under it, so can't verify. I should get the new gasket early next week and already bought new oil and filter. Will update the thread as I get to work on the bike.

[Zakk]

Took quite a bit longer than I expected but the bike is sorted now, yes! Changing just the gasket didn't fix the leak 😡 I probably damaged the strainer cover sealing surface while drilling for the helicoil. So ordered a completely new cover and another new gasket just in case, and finally had time to install them yesterday. "Luckily" it's been a very cold spring up here, so not many great riding days were lost  Haven't had the time for a test drive yet, but ran the bike in the garage up to operating temp twice and no issues whatsoever. Success!