Found oil in my dry clutch!

[S4M]

Ok I have a '01 S4 with a Speedy Moto 5 spoke clutch cover, pressure plate, s/s springs etc... But I just noticed a burning oil smell when stopped at traffic lights - get home to discover a little bit of oil at the bottom on my clutch cover - looks like a bit has flicked up onto my exhaust (and my boots!!) there is a little bit on the engine cover just under the clutch - I guess that is where the smell is coming from when the bike warms up?

Now there is not too much - can wipe it off with one wipe - but where is it coming from? I have taken the p/plate off and taken out all the clutch plates - they're all clean.  But my basket (I think that's what it's called!! haha) seems to have a coating of and oily/gunky substance around it...

Any ideas? 

Thanks....

[Speeddog]

From your description, sounds like the seal behind the basket has given up.

Did you recently switch to full-synthetic oil?

[S4M]

I did just change the oil, filter, plugs etc... and did use a full synthetic - Shell Ultra 4.  Bought from the local dealer here who told me that it is what they use in all their bikes when they service them - is also what they used in my bike last service (well that is what they charged me for according to the receipt!!!).  What would fully synthetic oil do?   Would hope that they actually did use that oil last service they did for me!! 

If it is the seal behind the basket how do I replace it? Is it difficult?  Do you think that is the likely cause?

Thanks for your help

[Speeddog]

I've heard that some bikes have had clutch seal leakage when they were switched to full-synthetic oil.
I have not seen it myself.
Apparently some of the synthetic oils are just too slippery.

I think it would be worth cleaning it up as best you can, and switching to a dino oil, see if it stops leaking.

Replacing the seal requires removing the entire clutch assembly, and then the engine sidecover.
It's not a huge job, but the difficulty level depends on your toolbox and your skill.
You *may* be able to snag the seal out without removing the sidecover, but it's not the best method IMO.

[S4M]

Have been using this oil for well over a year now and never had a problem...

Out of curiosity - do I need any special tool/s to get to the seal?  Or would a trip to the dealer be the best option - even just to check it out?

Cheers.

[Capo]

99% of seal failures can be attrbuted to damage at the time of installation. As speedog said it's not hard to do, bit if your not mechanicaly inclined, I'd take it to a dealer and get a warranty on the work.

[A.duc.H.duc.]

Just as a sanity check, make sure it's not just your breather leaking, and running down into your open cover.

Since just about everyone's breather leaks.

Justin

[CDawg]

Also, just to be sure, you have all 6 of the hex screws that holds the clutch cover on in, rights?

[Fresh Pants]

It's not this seal is it?



The big one, on the bottom (steel-cored transmission seal according to Desmotimes).

[Slide Panda]

No - they are talking about the big one set in the side case of the engine, right behind the clutch basket. 

Getting the basket off will require something to hold the clutch hub, and then a big ole socket and bar to break loose the hub nut.  The hub holder tool can range from ~$20 for a modded pair of vice-grips to over $100 for a purpose built hub and basket holder tool.  FWWIW if you're a bit handy people have made these tools from old clutch plates bolted or welded together. 

Basically take the stack of clutch steels, stack then up with the teeth aligned secure them to each other and then a handle and there's your tool

[Oldfisti]

The basket comes off easily with an impact gun and no special holder.

[Howie]

The basket comes off easily with an impact gun and no special holder.

Off with the impact is OK, but you would want to use a holder and a torque wrench to reinstall.  A steel bar with a few clutch plates welded or bolted to a steel bar will work.

[Speeddog]

These are nice too:



http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/clutch_holding_tool/

[Howie]

These are nice too:



http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/clutch_holding_tool/

Chris Kelley seels that, or a similar tool for $29
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/maint.html

[Howley]

Someone told me to put it in gear and hold the rear brake on. That immobilises the clutch apparently.